‘They Smashed the Heads of Their Victims with Grinding Stone’: Badoo Cult Gang and Victimization Experiences in Lagos State

Abstract

Violent cult gangs are ubiquitous in Nigeria, with their activities threatening peace and security wherever it occurs. While there are many violent gangs in Lagos state, not all carry the appellation of violent ritual gang like the Badoo cult gang that operated in Ikorodu, Lagos State between 2016 and 2018. This study examines the victim selection strategy, victim experiences and modus operandi of this violent cult gang in Lagos State, Nigeria. Using exploratory design, which relied on in-depth interviews and other secondary sources, the study reached participants through purposive and snowball techniques. Findings showed that the neighbourhood structure permitted the gangs to kill members of many households. Working through insider information, the gang was able to observe vulnerable households and gained entrance into the victims’ residence through the window. Arising from the findings, we suggest that elements in defensible space and routine activities’ perspectives can be used to improve defensible spaces and reduce criminal victimization.