Two people have been confirmed dead following a violent incident at IMAX Cinemas in the Lekki area of Lagos State on Friday night after a man armed with a machete and knife reportedly attacked security personnel at the facility.
The incident caused panic among patrons and workers at the cinema after the suspect allegedly attempted to enter the premises but was stopped by security guards.
Eyewitnesses said the man became aggressive after being denied access and allegedly attacked the security personnel. He was also said to have appeared to be under the influence of drugs.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Adebisi Abimbola said the suspect allegedly stabbed one security guard to death and injured another during the confrontation.
She said the suspect, who reportedly appeared to be homeless, was subsequently attacked by a mob and died in the ensuing incident.
“Two people have been confirmed dead,” Adebisi said, adding that the police had commenced investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police spokesperson said investigators were working to determine the identity of the attacker and establish the exact sequence of events that resulted in his death.
Adebisi also disclosed that the cinema’s Chief Security Officer had been taken into custody as part of the investigation.
She added that the police were making efforts to obtain and examine CCTV recordings from the premises to establish what happened and determine whether other individuals were involved.
According to her, the investigation would cover all relevant circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The incident has renewed concerns about security arrangements at entertainment venues and other recreational facilities, particularly the ability of security personnel to identify and contain potential threats before they escalate.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to release the identities of the deceased or provide further information on the condition of the injured security officer.
