Tragedy struck in the Mushin area of Lagos State as a 12-year-old boy, identified simply as Wasiu, lost his life to a stray bullet during a violent clash between rival cult groups.
PUNCH Metro learned on Thursday that the fatal incident took place around 8 pm on Wednesday in the Olosha area of Mushin, when tensions escalated between two cult factions.
According to eyewitness accounts, Wasiu had stepped out to purchase food from a local vendor known as Iya Ibeji when chaos erupted in the area as gunshots rang out.
A resident, Tale Amoo, recounted the harrowing scene to our correspondent, saying the unexpected outbreak of gunfire sent people fleeing in all directions.
“We started hearing sounds of gunshots around 8 pm, and people started running into their homes while business owners closed their shops.
“Meanwhile, Wasiu was waiting to buy food from a vendor called Iya Ibeji when he got caught up in the clash. It was while he also tried to seek refuge that the stray bullet hit him,” Amoo said.
Another resident, who requested not to be named, revealed that the young boy’s lifeless body was discovered once the gunfire subsided. Despite frantic efforts by locals to save him, help came too late.
“The tense situation was the reason why Wasiu did not get medical attention on time because no one knew he had already been hit by a bullet.
“Residents who found him lying on the floor quickly rushed him to LUTH, but their gate was shut. They tried to get through to the other gate, but the presence of the cultists along the route stopped them,” the resident explained.
He added that the Mushin community had been under siege in recent days, with cult-related violence creating fear and unrest.
Another resident, also speaking anonymously, confirmed the intensity of the confrontation and its impact on the area.
“The LUTH vicinity in Mushin was under attack by unknown persons as guns rang out for the past three hours. There were gunshots before 8 pm. They killed a child this same time,” he stated.
Reacting to the incident, the Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Tubosun Aruwe, issued a statement on Thursday, denouncing the attack and calling for justice.
“I am deeply saddened and utterly appalled by the senseless and violent attack that occurred last night in the Olosha area of the Mushin Local Government Area.
“The loss of the innocent life of a 10-year-old child is a tragedy that strikes at the very heart of our humanity,” the statement read in part.
Offering his condolences to the bereaved family and others affected by similar violence, Aruwe assured them of his commitment to justice.
“My heart goes out to the families of all the victims during this challenging time. I share in your grief and stand with you as we seek justice for these senseless killings,” he said.
He also urged security agencies to promptly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to book without delay.
As of press time, efforts to reach Lagos State Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin for confirmation of the incident and possible arrests proved unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or WhatsApp messages sent to his phone on Thursday.
