A 12-year-old boy identified simply as Wasiu was tragically killed by a stray bullet during a violent clash between rival cult groups in the Olosha area of Mushin, Lagos State, on Wednesday night.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m., sparking panic across the neighbourhood as gunmen exchanged fire in a brutal turf war that disrupted daily life and left residents scrambling for safety.
Sources told The Telegraph that Wasiu had gone out to buy food from a local vendor, popularly known as Iya Ibeji, when the gunfire erupted.
“We started hearing gunshots around 8 p.m., and everyone ran into their homes. Shop owners quickly shut down,” said Tale Amoo, a resident.
“Wasiu was waiting at Iya Ibeji’s food stand when the shooting started. As he tried to flee, he was struck by a stray bullet.”
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said Wasiu’s lifeless body was discovered only after the area had calmed.
Efforts to rush him to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) reportedly failed, as one of the hospital gates was locked and the alternative route was blocked by cultists.
“No one knew he had been hit at first. When he was found, some residents tried to take him to LUTH, but the main gate was shut. They attempted another route, but cultists had taken over that area,” the resident said.
Witnesses said the Mushin community had been gripped by rising insecurity, with cult-related violence escalating in recent days.
“Gunfire had been ongoing for hours around LUTH’s vicinity,” another resident reported. “It wasn’t just one incident. These unknown gunmen have been firing sporadically for days. Last night, a child paid the price.”
In a statement on Thursday, the Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Tubosun Aruwe, condemned the attack, calling it “senseless and heartbreaking.”
“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 said.
“My heart goes out to the families of all the victims. I share in your grief and stand with you in seeking justice for these senseless killings.”
He urged security agencies to launch an immediate investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted without delay.
As of the time of filing this report, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, had not responded to calls or messages seeking confirmation or updates on the incident.
