Suleman Lawal alias Akiru, a leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Mile 12, Lagos, was slain on Sunday when unrest erupted there.
According to information obtained, the ongoing competition between the cult groups of Aiye and Eiye was the cause of the violence.
Lawal was thought to be the local Eiye cult group's leader.
Residents and drivers in the neighbourhood expressed concerns about the situation escalating on social media as they asked security personnel to intervene.
One Valerian Nwadike, raising the alarm about the altercation, said: "I got information that MILE 12 is boiling as I type. I've told the appropriate authorities that a cult conflict is the cause of the chaos, so everyone is urged to pay attention and exercise caution if they are nearby.
Other commenters complained that unless security services acted quickly to stop revenge, the violence might continue for several days.
It was discovered that the situation could not have been controlled without the assistance of members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and reinforcements from the local command.
Confirming the incident, police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin said: “The command is aware of the violent clash going on at Owode-Elede area of the state. DPO Owode-Onirin is handling the situation. Reinforcement has been readied. We are monitoring the situation.”
Hundeyin dismissed claims that the violence has escalated to Oshodi but confirmed only one person died in the clash.