Two people have died following a violent incident at IMAX Cinemas in Lekki, Lagos. A man armed with a machete and knife allegedly attacked security personnel at the premises.
According to Vanguard, the incident happened on Friday night. The man reportedly attempted to enter the cinema but was stopped by security guards. This led to a confrontation that caused panic among patrons and workers.
Security guard killed in Lekki IMAX attack
Eyewitnesses said the man became violent after he was prevented from entering the premises. He allegedly attacked members of the security team.
Lagos State Police Command spokesperson SP Adebisi Abimbola confirmed that one security guard was fatally stabbed during the incident. Meanwhile, another security personnel sustained injuries.
The alleged attacker was subsequently mobbed by people at the scene and also died.
“Two people have been confirmed dead,” Abimbola said.
She added that investigators were working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators also want to identify the assailant and the sequence of events that led to his death.
Police detain cinema security chief
The police spokesperson disclosed that the Chief Security Officer of the cinema had been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators are also seeking access to closed-circuit television footage from the premises to determine what happened before, during and after the attack.
Police believe the footage could help establish a clearer timeline. Furthermore, it could help identify other people who may have played a role in the incident.
The identities of the two deceased persons had not been publicly disclosed as of the time of the report.
Police probe circumstances of deaths
Authorities have also not provided an update on the condition of the injured security guard.
Abimbola said the police investigation would examine all circumstances surrounding the two deaths before further action is taken.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security around entertainment venues and other crowded recreational facilities in Lagos.
Police said investigations into the attack are ongoing.
