By Florencemary Nwabueze
The popular IMAX Cinema in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, has been sealed following an attack by a knife-wielding man in the early hours of August 29, which left a security guard dead and another injured.
The suspected attacker, who is now deceased, was identified as Umoru Hasaam, a fruit seller who operated around the cinema. He was allegedly lynched by a mob after attacking some private security guards attached to the film house.
When The Warden News visited the film house, yesterday, it remained sealed, with operations suspended following the incident.
Our reporter learned that a report of the attack was lodged at the Lekki Divisional Police Station about 2:05 a.m., on August 29. The complainant, as gathered, told the police that Hasaam, a fruit seller with no fixed address, who was armed with a knife, allegedly ran into the cinema premises and attempted to force his way in.
An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said: "A civilian security guard on duty reportedly tried to stop him, leading to a confrontation during which Hassan stabbed another civilian security guard, identified as John Mathias, to death. He also injured a second guard, Iouzua Thomas.
"Other security guards and members of the public reportedly rushed to the scene and attacked Hassan with pieces of wood, resulting in his death.
"Hassan and Mathias were rushed to Evercare Hospital, where they were pronounced dead, while Thomas, who was also taken to the hospital for treatment, was discharged yesterday (Sunday)."
A private security guard at the cinema, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident occurred during the night shift.
Similarly, a POS operator near the cinema said he arrived in the morning and was informed about the incident. A customer at a nearby restaurant, who works in the area also said the attack occurred about 1 a.m.
She said: "Everybody had gone home. We came in the morning and found the cinema sealed. I cannot tell exactly when they sealed it."
Meanwhile, police sources disclosed that the Chief Security Officer of the film house, Mr. Anthony Celestine, was arrested and interrogated in connection with the incident. He was, however, said to have since been released.
Sources added that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital, Yaba.
Despite the incident, the area remained calm yesterday, with residents going about their normal activities and other vendors conducting business as usual.
Some residents told The Warden News that policemen from the Lekki Division had continued to secure the area since the incident.