A 12-year-old boy identified simply as Wasiu has been killed by a stray bullet during a violent clash between rival cult groups in the Mushin area of Lagos State.
The tragic incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Olosha axis of Mushin, plunging the community into panic and mourning.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Wasiu had stepped out to buy food from a local vendor, popularly known as Iya Ibeji, when gunfire erupted as suspected cultists engaged in a shootout.
A resident, Tale Amoo, who witnessed the chaos, said the child was caught in the crossfire while attempting to flee the area.
โWe started hearing gunshots around 8 p.m., and everyone ran for cover. Shops were closed immediately,โ Amoo recounted. โWasiu was waiting to buy food when the shooting started. As he tried to escape, a stray bullet hit him.โ
Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Wasiuโs lifeless body was discovered after the gunfire ceased. Attempts to rush him to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) were unsuccessful as the hospital gate was shut.
โThe community was tense, and people couldnโt tell he had been shot until the situation calmed. Those who saw him rushed to LUTH, but the gate was closed. Efforts to access the alternative entrance were blocked by cultists,โ the resident said.
Reports suggest that the Mushin area had experienced an uptick in cult-related violence in recent days, leaving residents in fear.
โThe sound of gunshots continued for hours,โ another witness added. โThis has been going on for days now. Last night was just the worstโit cost a child his life.โ
Reacting to the incident, the Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area, Hon. Tubosun Aruwe, issued a statement on Thursday condemning the attack and describing the killing as โsenseless and heartbreaking.โ
โI am deeply saddened and utterly appalled by the senseless and violent attack that occurred in the Olosha area,โ Aruwe said. โThe loss of an innocent child is a tragedy that strikes at the heart of our humanity.โ
He extended condolences to the grieving family and other victims of similar violence, assuring them of his support in the quest for justice.
โMy heart goes out to all affected families. I stand with you in this time of grief as we pursue justice,โ he said.
Aruwe also urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Command for
