A popular shawarma vendor identified as Benjamin, also known as Benji, was shot dead by suspected cultists in the Ebutte-Ipakodo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.
According to The PUNCH, the tragic incident reportedly occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday while Benjamin was attending to customers at his roadside stall, popularly known in the community as Chibest Shawarma.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, believed to be members of a rival cult group, approached Benjamin under the pretense of buying shawarma before suddenly pulling out firearms and shooting him multiple times at close range.
“We thought they were customers, but everything changed in seconds,” said a resident identified simply as Samson. “They shot him right in front of everyone. People panicked and ran in different directions. It was later we heard it was connected to cult rivalry.”
Another source in the area, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the attackers fled immediately after carrying out the act, leaving the victim in a pool of blood.
“No one could go close to him immediately. Everyone was scared. It was after some minutes that people summoned courage to move close and rush him to the hospital,” the resident explained. “Sadly, he was confirmed dead.”
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The news of Benjamin’s death has sent shockwaves through the community. Many residents took to social media to mourn him, describing him as a cheerful and hardworking young man.
“Benji was well known and loved. He was always smiling and respectful to customers. His death is a huge loss to the area,” one resident wrote.
