By Tolulope Oke

Two people have been killed after confronting a cutlass-wielding man during a violent attack at the car park of Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX in Lekki, Lagos.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday outside the cinema premises, with Filmhouse Group saying it was unrelated to its regular operations.

Reports said the attacker targeted a security personnel of the organisation and another individual, both of whom resisted him and prevented him from gaining access to the facility.

The motive for the attack has not been established.

Sports journalist Buchi Laba, who said he witnessed the incident, reported that one of the victims was stabbed in the chest while the other sustained a wound to the back.

Laba also claimed that one of the victims died while being taken to hospital.

Filmhouse Group, in a statement issued later on Saturday, expressed sadness over the incident and said security authorities had begun an investigation.

“Filmhouse Group is deeply saddened by a security incident that took place outside the premises, in the car park of one of our locations, in the early hours of this morning,” the company said.

“The incident was unrelated to our regular operations. We are working closely with the relevant authorities, who are leading the ongoing investigation, and have taken additional precautionary measures across our locations.”

The cinema chain praised the two victims for confronting the danger and helping to prevent the situation from escalating.

“Both individuals stood between danger and the people in their care, and it is through their bravery that the situation was contained and safety restored. Their commitment and courage in that moment will not be forgotten,” Filmhouse said.

The company added that security had been strengthened across its locations following the attack.

“The safety and wellbeing of our staff and guests remain our highest priority. Security across all our locations has been increased and prioritised, and the safety of our guests and everyone within our premises remains of the utmost importance to us.

“We continue to monitor the ongoing situation.”