KEY POINTS
- Two people died after a machete and knife attack at Filmhouse IMAX in Lekki, Lagos.
- Police said a security guard was killed, while the alleged attacker died after being mobbed.
- Filmhouse has increased security measures at all its cinemas nationwide as investigations continue.
Two people were killed following a violent machete and knife attack at Filmhouse IMAX in Lekki, Lagos State, prompting the cinema operator to strengthen security measures across its locations nationwide.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 29, when a man reportedly armed with a machete and a knife arrived at the cinema’s car park and allegedly attempted to gain access to the premises.
Security personnel at the facility reportedly stopped the man from entering. He allegedly became aggressive during the confrontation and attacked members of the security team.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that one security guard was stabbed to death during the incident, while another guard sustained injuries.
Suspect Dies After Being Mobbed
According to the police, the alleged attacker was subsequently mobbed and died during the ensuing confrontation.
The police said two people had been confirmed dead as a result of the incident, while investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack, including the identity of the alleged attacker and the events leading to his death.
Police spokesperson, SP Adebisi Abimbola, said the Chief Security Officer of the cinema had also been taken into custody as part of the investigation.
Investigators are expected to review CCTV footage from the facility to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine exactly how the confrontation unfolded and whether any other individuals were involved.
Reacting to the incident, Filmhouse Group expressed sadness over the deaths and clarified that the attack took place in the cinema’s car park and was not connected to its regular cinema operations.
The company said it was cooperating with the relevant authorities and had immediately introduced additional security measures across its locations.
Filmhouse assured customers and employees that their safety remained its highest priority, adding that security arrangements had been increased and given greater attention at all its facilities.
The company also commended two individuals who it said confronted the danger and acted to protect people under their care during the incident.
According to the company, their intervention helped contain the situation and restore safety at the location.