Two people have been confirmed dead following a machete attack at IMAX Cinemas in Lekki, Lagos State, on Friday night.
The incident occurred after a man armed with a machete and knife allegedly attempted to gain access to the cinema but was stopped by security personnel.
Eyewitnesses said the man, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, became violent after being prevented from entering the premises.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that the suspect allegedly stabbed a security guard to death and injured another during the attack.
The police spokesperson, SP Adebisi Abimbola, said the suspect, who reportedly appeared to be a destitute person, was subsequently mobbed and died in the process.
“Two people have been confirmed dead,” Adebisi said, adding that the circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation.
She said the identities of the assailant and the exact sequence of events leading to his death were among the issues being investigated.
According to her, the Chief Security Officer of the cinema had been taken into custody as part of the investigation.
The police are also working to obtain and review CCTV footage from the premises to establish what happened and determine whether other people were involved.
The incident triggered panic among patrons and staff at the cinema and has renewed concerns about security at entertainment and recreational facilities, particularly crowded venues.
The police said the investigation was ongoing and that all circumstances surrounding the deaths would be established.
The identities of the deceased had not been released as of the time of filing the report.