By Esther Onyegbula
Two people have been confirmed dead following an attack at IMAX Cinemas in Lekki, Lagos State, Friday night, August 29, after a man wielding a machete and knife reportedly stormed the premises.
The incident, which triggered panic among cinema patrons and workers, occurred when the suspect allegedly attempted to gain entry into the cinema but was stopped by security guards.
Eyewitnesses said the assailant, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, became violent after being prevented from entering the premises.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Adebisi Abimbola, said the suspect allegedly stabbed one of the security guards to death and injured another security personnel during the attack.
According to her, the suspect, who appeared to be destitute, was subsequently mobbed and died in the process.
“Two people have been confirmed dead,” Adebisi said, adding that the circumstances surrounding the incident were being investigated.
She explained that the identity of the assailant and the precise sequence of events leading to his death were part of issues being examined by the police.
Adebisi further disclosed that the Chief Security Officer of the cinema had been taken into custody as investigations continued.
She said the police were also working to obtain and review the closed-circuit television, CCTV, footage from the premises.
According to her, the review of the footage would assist investigators in establishing what transpired and identifying any other persons who may have been involved in the incident.
The police spokesperson said an investigation had been launched into the incident, assuring that all relevant circumstances surrounding the deaths would be established.
The incident has raised concerns over security at entertainment and recreational facilities, particularly the ability of security personnel to detect and prevent dangerous individuals from gaining access to crowded premises.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had not disclosed the identities of the deceased or provided further details on the condition of the injured security guard.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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