Young Man Killed While Joining Cult In Lagos
A 26-year-old artisan identified simply as Timehin has been killed during a botched cult initiation ceremony in the Awoyaya area of Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State.
It was gathered that the tragic incident occurred on Thursday, July 18, when suspected members of a rival cult group ambushed the initiation ground, opening fire and disrupting the exercise.
Sources in the community disclosed that the deceased had been taken into a nearby bush late in the evening to be initiated into the cult group.
However, moments after the rites began, gunmen believed to be from a rival cult invaded the scene and began shooting indiscriminately.
While the initiators managed to flee in different directions, Timehin was not so lucky. He was said to have been hit by bullets and left for dead in the bush. His lifeless body was later discovered near the UBA bus stop in Awoyaya.
A relative of the deceased, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident, told PUNCH on Tuesday that Timehin had informed his family that he was going to visit a friend that evening and never returned.
“Nobody could stop him from going since he was an adult. It was the following morning that someone told us a body had been found in the bush. When we got there, it was shocking to see that it was Timehin. We rushed him to the hospital to see if he could still be revived, but the doctors confirmed him dead on arrival,” the family source said.
Another resident who claimed knowledge of the incident said the victim was shot in the neck and hand, leaving deep bullet wounds.
The source added that the family only learnt later that Timehin had been taken to the scene for cult initiation.
“We heard it was a rival group that stormed the bush and began shooting. The initiators ran for their lives, but the boy was abandoned and killed,” the source added.
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, for comments proved abortive, as calls placed to his line were unanswered.
A message sent to his known mobile number had also not been responded to as of the time of filing this report.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
