The notorious ritual cult group, Badoo, Sunday struck in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, killing a couple and two of their children.

The couple were identified as Mr. and Mrs. Adejare. The third kid was said to be in a coma at the Ikorodu General Hospital.

A resident of the area was quoted as saying that the incident became known around 12pm when church members of the deceased checked on them on the way from church.

He said, “They had a special programme in their church today (Sunday). The members decided to check on them because they did not come to the church. They found the whole family in a pool of blood and raised the alarm. One of the three children was still breathing. He was rushed to the general hospital.

“There are burglar-proof bars on the windows in the house, except in the kitchen. They came through the kitchen. They tore the net and entered the house.

“We seem to have relaxed in securing the community because the attack subsided for some time. Even the police patrol has reduced.”

“The apartment was given to them by the church. The couple were on the bed, while the children slept on mats. Four of them were killed. Their corpses have been deposited in the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary,” he added.

Reacting to the incident, however, the Lagos State police spokesperson, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the killings might have no connection with the Badoo cult, adding that the location of the family’s residence was not accessible to vehicles.

He said, “The house is just a room and parlour with one open window and no visible form of security. A family of five were attacked. Three died on the spot, one died while receiving treatment at a hospital and the last member is alive and responding to treatment.

“No visible trace of violence or clues linked to the cult was found. No stone was found at the scene. A case of murder is being investigated by police detectives, which doesn’t fit in the modus operandi of the cult.”