Residents of several Lagos communities were gripped by fear and uncertainty on Monday April 13, 2026, following the circulation of a viral message warning of a looming cult-related clash.
In areas such as Shitta, Akerele, Itire/Aguda and Ishaga, many residents reportedly hurried home, while others shut their shops early over concerns of possible violence.
Parents were seen calling their children indoors, as tension quietly built across neighbourhoods already sensitive to security alerts.
“I had to close my shop immediately when I saw the message,” a trader in the Itire area told Blueprint.ng correspondent.
“We can’t take chances with issues like this. Safety comes first.”
Another resident in Shitta described the atmosphere as “uneasy,” noting that even unconfirmed reports can quickly trigger panic among residents.
Amid the growing anxiety, the Lagos State Police Command has stepped in swiftly to douse tensions, dismissing the reports as false, while reassuring the public of their safety.
The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, said the Command had already taken proactive steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order, including the rapid deployment of officers and operational assets to the affected areas.
According to him, intensified patrols, strategic positioning of personnel and increased police visibility have been implemented across identified flashpoints to deter any threat and reassure residents.
“There is no cause for alarm. Residents should go about their lawful activities without fear,” the police boss stated, emphasising that security agencies remain fully on ground.
The Command also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, warning that such rumours could unnecessarily heighten tension and disrupt public peace.
For many residents, however, the incident highlights how quickly fear can spread in a city as densely populated as Lagos, where a single message can disrupt daily life within minutes.
As calm gradually returns to the affected communities, residents are being urged to stay vigilant, verify information before sharing, and promptly report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
The Police have again reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring Lagosians that all necessary measures are in place to ensure continued peace across the state.
