A popular shawarma vendor, simply identified as Benjamin, was shot dead by unknown gunmen suspected to be cultists in the Ebutte-Ipakodo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Benjamin, widely known in the community as Benji, owned Chibest Shawarma, a well-frequented roadside food spot in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the attack happened around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday while he was serving customers.
A resident named Samson told FCNN on Sunday that the gunmen approached the stall pretending to be customers but suddenly pulled out guns and fired multiple shots at Benjamin at close range.
“He was attending to customers when two men walked up. We thought they came to buy shawarma, but they suddenly brought out guns and shot him several times. Everyone around ran for safety. We later heard it was a revenge attack by rival cult members,” Samson explained.
Another resident, who asked not to be named due to the nature of the incident, said the attackers fled immediately after the shooting. Benjamin was left in a pool of blood, and the panic that followed delayed help.
“No one could go near him at first because of how badly he was shot. It took some time before anyone could get close. Eventually, he was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late—he was confirmed dead,” the source said.
Tributes on social media described Benji as a jovial, hardworking man who was well-liked in the neighborhood.
His death has left the community in shock and raised concerns over growing insecurity.
“Benji was more than just a vendor—he was friendly with nearly everyone. People are devastated, and there’s a lot of fear in the area right now,” one post read.
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Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful, as calls and a text message to his phone had not been answered at the time of filing this report.
