A 12-year-old boy named Wasiu has been killed by a stray bullet during a violent cult clash in the Olosha area of Mushin, Lagos State.
The incident happened around 8 pm on Wednesday accoridng to the PUNCH news report, when rival cult groups started shooting. Wasiu was said to be waiting to buy food from a local food vendor known as Iya Ibeji when the gunshots began.
A resident, Tale Amoo, said there was panic in the area as people ran for safety. “We started hearing sounds of gunshots around 8 pm, and people started running into their homes while business owners closed their shops. Wasiu was waiting to buy food when he got caught up in the clash. He was trying to run when the stray bullet hit him.”
Another resident said Wasiu’s body was found after the area became calm. He said the boy did not get help on time because nobody knew he had been shot. “Residents who found him lying on the floor rushed him to LUTH, but the gate was shut. They tried another gate, but cult members were still around, and the road was not safe.”
The community has reportedly been under attack from cult members for days. Another resident confirmed that gunshots were heard for over three hours that night.
Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Tubosun Aruwe, described the killing as heartbreaking.
In a statement on Thursday, he said, “I am deeply saddened and utterly appalled by the senseless and violent attack that occurred last night in the Olosha area of Mushin. The loss of the innocent life of a 10-year-old child is a tragedy that strikes at the very heart of our humanity.”
Aruwe sent condolences to the family and promised support in seeking justice. He also urged security agencies to carry out a full investigation and arrest those involved.
As of Thursday, Lagos State Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin had not responded to calls or messages to confirm if any arrests had been made.
