Residents of the Cele Nica community in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State have been thrown into mourning following an armed robbery attack at a barbershop that claimed the lives of two teenagers identified as Chijindu and Akorede.

The usually quiet neighbourhood was gripped with fear after a gang of armed men stormed Abengo Close, where the barbershop is situated, and opened fire on unsuspecting customers after robbing them of their valuables.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Saturday when the three-man gang arrived at the scene, reportedly posing as customers before launching the assault.

Residents who spoke during a visit to the community on Tuesday said they heard multiple gunshots shortly after the robbers entered the shop. On rushing to the scene, they discovered the barber and two teenage customers lying in a pool of blood.

A resident, Duuni Olafeso, said the robbers ordered everyone to lie on the floor and demanded cash and mobile phones. Trouble began when Chijindu reportedly told them he only had ₦1,000 for his haircut, which angered one of the attackers, who allegedly ordered his accomplices to “waste them.”

All three victims were shot, but the barber survived after pretending to be dead. Akorede died instantly, while Chijindu and the barber were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Chijindu’s employer, Ugochukwu, who installs solar panels, said the deceased had just returned from a work trip earlier that day. “He went out in the evening to get a haircut. Not long after, I got a call that he had been shot. I took him to the hospital, but he passed away around midnight despite the doctors’ efforts,” he recounted, describing the late apprentice as diligent and responsible.

Relatives of Akorede, who reportedly lived outside the community, were later notified of his death. His body was recovered by the police, while Chijindu was buried on Monday.

When visited, the atmosphere along Owolabi Street remained sombre, and the barbershop where the attack occurred was still locked.