A 12-year-old boy named Wasiu was tragically killed by a stray bullet during a violent confrontation between rival cult groups in the Olosha area of Mushin, Lagos State, on Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred around 8 pm when the boy had gone to purchase food from a local vendor known as Iya Ibeji. According to eyewitness accounts, gunshots suddenly erupted as rival cult groups engaged in a fierce battle, sending residents scrambling for safety.
Tale Amoo, a local resident, described the chaos that ensued when the shooting began. “We started hearing sounds of gunshots around 8 pm, and people started running into their homes while business owners closed their shops,” Amoo recounted. “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.”
The boy’s body was discovered lying motionless after the violence subsided. Concerned residents attempted to rush him to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), but their efforts were hampered by the facility’s closed gates and the continued presence of cult members along the route.
“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,” explained another resident who requested anonymity. “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 community has reportedly been terrorized by suspected cult members over recent days, with residents describing hours of sustained gunfire that gripped the area.
Tubosun Aruwe, Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government, issued a statement on Thursday condemning the attack as “senseless and heartbreaking.” He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent life and called for immediate action from security agencies.
“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,” Aruwe stated. “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 vice chairman has called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted. He also pledged support to the victim’s family in their pursuit of justice.
Attempts to reach Lagos State Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin for comment on the incident and any potential arrests were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages on Thursday.
