At least six people were reportedly killed in a suspected cult attack near the Post Office area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The attack was said to have happened on Sunday night at about 8pm.
The incident led to increased security presence in the area and raised concerns among residents on Monday.
When Daily Trust visited the scene on Monday morning, several police patrol vehicles were seen around the area, while many shops along the usually busy road remained closed.
A resident, who identified himself as Abdul, said the attackers arrived around 8pm and killed six people, including a well-known lotto operator.
“They came with guns and other weapons and carried out the attack. Six people were killed, including the head of lotto operators around the Post Office area,” he said.
He also claimed the attackers threatened to return before leaving.
“And while they were leaving, they boasted that they would come back. This is the fourth deadly incident in this area in recent times. The authorities should ban or stop the lotto activities here,” he added.
The resident alleged that the violence was connected to a rivalry between the Eiye and Aiye confraternities, though this could not be independently verified at the time of filing the report.
Some residents, however, claimed the death toll could be higher than the six deaths reported.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the incident when contacted.
“Yes, there was a cultist attack last night and some killings, but I will give further details when I leave the scene. I am still there as I speak with you now,” the police commissioner said.
