LSFVCB mourns security guard killed In Lekki cinema attack

By Adebola Muili

The Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) has mourned the security officer killed during a violent attack at a cinema facility in Lekki, Lagos State, urging operators of cinemas and other entertainment venues to strengthen their security and emergency-response measures.

The Board, in a statement issued on Monday, August 31, 2026, also condoled with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased, while wishing another person injured in the incident a speedy and full recovery.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Board, Mrs. Adebukola A. Agbaminoja, said the incident underscored the need for effective safety and security measures at cinemas and other entertainment facilities across Lagos State.

According to her, “the unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining effective safety and security measures at cinemas and other entertainment facilities across Lagos State.”

Agbaminoja urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from speculation or the circulation of unverified information, noting that relevant security agencies were continuing their investigations into the incident.

The Board also called on cinema operators and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry to continually review and strengthen their security and emergency-response measures in collaboration with appropriate security agencies.

It said the safety and well-being of cinema patrons, employees and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry remained a priority.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at the car park of Filmhouse IMAX Cinema in Lekki, where a man reportedly armed with a machete and knife allegedly attempted to gain entry into the facility but was stopped by security personnel.

The Lagos State Police Command said the suspect allegedly attacked the security officers, killing one and injuring another. The alleged attacker was subsequently mobbed and died in the ensuing incident, bringing the confirmed death toll to two.

Police spokesperson, SP Adebisi Abimbola, said the circumstances surrounding the incident were still being investigated. She added that the cinema’s Chief Security Officer had been taken into custody, while the command was working to obtain and review CCTV footage to establish the sequence of events and determine whether other persons were involved.

Meanwhile, Filmhouse Group, which operates the cinema, said the incident occurred in the car park outside the facility and was unrelated to its regular cinema operations. The company said it had introduced additional precautionary measures and increased security across its locations following the incident.

The LSFVCB said its thoughts and prayers were with everyone affected by the incident.