Two Killed in Machete Attack at Cinema

Author: Gist Correspondent

Two people have been confirmed dead following a violent attack at IMAX Cinemas in Lekki, Lagos State, after a man armed with a machete and knife reportedly stormed the premises on Friday night.

The incident sparked panic among cinema patrons and staff as the suspect allegedly attempted to force his way into the entertainment facility but was stopped by security personnel at the entrance.

Eyewitnesses said the man, who reportedly appeared to be under the influence of drugs, turned violent after being denied entry.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Adebisi Abimbola, said the suspect allegedly stabbed one of the security guards to death and injured another security operative during the attack.

She said the assailant was subsequently overpowered and mobbed by an angry crowd, leading to his death.

According to the police spokesperson, two deaths have been confirmed, while the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Abimbola said investigators were working to establish the identity of the attacker and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to his death.

She also disclosed that the Chief Security Officer of the cinema had been taken into police custody to aid the ongoing investigation.

The police, she added, were making efforts to obtain and review the facility's closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to determine exactly what transpired and identify any other persons who may have played a role in the incident.

She assured the public that a comprehensive investigation had been launched to unravel all the circumstances surrounding the attack and the two deaths.

The incident has heightened concerns over security at entertainment and recreational centres, particularly measures to prevent armed or dangerous individuals from gaining access to crowded public places.

As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the deceased had not been released, while the injured security officer was receiving treatment. Police said investigations were ongoing.