Two Killed as Machete-Wielding Man Attacks Filmhouse IMAX in Lekki
A violent early-morning attack at the Lekki cinema left a security guard dead and another injured, while the suspected attacker was reportedly killed after being overpowered by a mob.
LEKKI, Lagos State, Nigeria — Two people have been killed following a violent attack involving a man armed with a machete and knife at the car park of Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX in Lekki, Lagos State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 29, after the suspect reportedly attempted to gain access to the cinema but was stopped by security personnel.
According to reports, the man became violent after being prevented from entering the facility and allegedly attacked the security guards with the weapons.
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that two people died in the incident. Police said the suspect allegedly stabbed one security guard to death and injured another during the confrontation.
The alleged attacker was subsequently overpowered by a mob and killed, according to police accounts reported by Premium Times and other Nigerian media outlets. His identity and the circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.
Eyewitness Account
Sports journalist Buchi Laba, who said he was at the cinema that night to watch The Odyssey, recounted the frightening experience on social media.
According to reports citing his account, the film began at about 10 pm. It ended around 2 am, after which he and other cinema patrons came outside and encountered the aftermath of the attack.
Laba reportedly said one of the victims sustained a stab wound to the chest while another was wounded in the back. He also claimed that one of the victims died while being taken to hospital.
Investigators are still establishing the exact sequence of events.
Police Begin Investigation
The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the incident.
Police spokesperson SP Adebisi Abimbola reportedly confirmed that officers were working to establish what happened before, during and after the attack.
Authorities are expected to examine CCTV footage from the cinema and surrounding areas as part of efforts to reconstruct the incident and determine whether other people were involved.
The cinema’s Chief Security Officer has also reportedly been taken into custody to assist with the investigation.
The motive behind the attack has not yet been officially established.
Filmhouse Reacts
Filmhouse Group confirmed that a serious security incident occurred in the car park of one of its locations in the early hours of Saturday.
The company stressed that the incident occurred outside the cinema premises and was unrelated to its regular operations.
Filmhouse expressed sadness over the deaths and said it was cooperating with the relevant authorities leading the investigation.
The company also paid tribute to the security personnel who confronted the attacker, saying their intervention helped prevent the situation from escalating and protected people within their care.
Security Increased Nationwide
Following the incident, Filmhouse announced that it had increased and prioritised security measures across all its locations.
The company said the safety and wellbeing of its staff and guests remained its highest priority and that it would continue monitoring the situation as investigations progressed.
The incident has sparked concern among cinema-goers and residents, particularly because it occurred during the early hours when patrons were leaving a late-night screening.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further information about the identities of those involved, the motive of the attacker and the full circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation.
