Lagos Horror: Two Teenagers Shot Dead in Barbershop Robbery at Cele Nica

A quiet evening in the Cele Nica community of Ojo, Lagos State, turned into tragedy when armed robbers stormed a barbershop on Saturday night, killing two teenagers in cold blood.

The victims, identified as Chijindu and Akorede, were shot during the robbery that occurred around 9 p.m. on Abengo Close. According to witnesses, the three-man gang arrived pretending to be customers before pulling out guns and ordering everyone inside to lie down.

Residents said panic spread across the area after multiple gunshots rang out. When neighbours rushed to the scene, they found the barber and two young customers drenched in blood.

A witness, Duuni Olafeso, told reporters that the robbers collected phones and cash before shooting the victims. Trouble reportedly started when one of the boys, Chijindu, told the gang he only had ₦1,000 for his haircut — an answer that allegedly enraged one of the robbers, who ordered his accomplices to “waste them.”

The assailants opened fire, hitting all three victims. The barber, who survived by pretending to be dead, was later rushed to hospital alongside Chijindu, while Akorede died instantly.

Ugochukwu, a solar panel technician who described himself as Chijindu’s boss, said the teenager had only gone out for a haircut after returning from work that day.

“Not long after, I was told he had been shot,” he recalled. “I rushed him to the hospital, but he died around midnight despite the doctors’ efforts. He was a hardworking and responsible apprentice.”

Relatives of Akorede, who reportedly lived outside the area, were later informed of his death. Chijindu was buried on Monday amid tears and outrage from neighbours.

Police operatives have since recovered the victims’ bodies and launched a manhunt for the killers. The atmosphere along Owolabi Street, near the crime scene, remains tense, with the barbershop still locked as residents mourn.

The Lagos State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but community members are calling for increased security patrols in the area to prevent further bloodshed.