Wasiu was said to have gone to buy food from a local food vendor known as Iya Ibeji when gunshots erupted, forcing residents to flee in different directions
By Titilayo Adako
A 12-year-old boy, identified simply as Wasiu, was tragically killed by a stray bullet during a violent cult clash on Wednesday night in the Mushin area of Lagos State.
The incident occurred around 8 pm in the Olosha axis of the community when rival cult groups engaged in a gun battle, throwing the area into panic.
Wasiu was said to have gone to buy food from a local food vendor known as Iya Ibeji when gunshots erupted, forcing residents to flee in different directions.
A resident, Tale Amoo, who spoke to journalists, said the boy was caught in the crossfire while trying to run to safety.
“We started hearing gunshots around 8 pm and everyone began running into their homes, while shop owners quickly closed for the day,” Amoo said.
“Wasiu was at Iya Ibeji’s place to buy food when the shooting started. As he attempted to escape, a stray bullet struck him.”
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said the boy’s body was discovered lying motionless after calm returned to the area.
He added that attempts to rush Wasiu to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) failed as the hospital gate was closed.
“The whole place was tense. Nobody knew he had been hit at first. When residents found him, they rushed to LUTH, but the gate was shut. They tried another entrance, but cultists blocked the route,” the source said.
He revealed that the community had been under siege by cultists in recent days, with shootings becoming more frequent.
Another resident also confirmed that gunfire had been ongoing for hours around the LUTH area, with the attack intensifying before 8 pm on the night of the incident.
In reaction, the Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Tubosun Aruwe, condemned the attack, describing it as senseless and heartbreaking.
“I am deeply saddened and utterly appalled by the senseless and violent attack that occurred last night in the Olosha area of Mushin,” Aruwe said in a statement on Thursday.
“The loss of an innocent 10-year-old child is a tragedy that strikes at the very heart of our humanity.”
He expressed condolences to the victim’s family and others affected by similar attacks and pledged support in seeking justice.
“My heart goes out to all the victims’ families. I share in your grief and stand with you as we seek justice for these senseless killings,” he added.
Aruwe also called on security agencies to investigate the incident urgently and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
Efforts to get a response from the Lagos State Police Command were unsuccessful, as spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin did not respond to calls or WhatsApp messages on Thursday.
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