A 12-year-old boy was tragically killed by a stray bullet during a violent Mushin cult clash. Community demands justice as police remain silent

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] 12-year-old boy, simply identified as Wasiu, has been tragically killed by a stray bullet during a violent cult clash in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

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The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Olosha community when rival cult groups engaged in a brutal gun duel that sent shockwaves across the neighborhood.

According to eyewitnesses, Wasiu had gone to purchase food from a popular local food vendor, Iya Ibeji, when gunshots rang out and panic erupted.

“We started hearing sounds of gunshots around 8 p.m., and people started running into their homes while business owners closed their shops,” a resident, Tale Amoo, told PUNCH Metro. “Wasiu was caught in the crossfire while also trying to flee.”

Another resident, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the boy’s lifeless body was only discovered after the situation had calmed down.

Efforts to rush him to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) proved unsuccessful, as the facility’s gate was locked and cultists blocked alternative routes.

“The tense situation delayed medical attention. No one knew he had been hit until it was too late,” the source said.

“When they eventually tried to take him to LUTH, the main gate was shut, and cultists were sighted near the other entrance.”

The Mushin community has reportedly been under siege from suspected cultists in recent days. Several residents confirmed that Wednesday’s incident was not an isolated one, describing the area as gripped by fear and gunfire for hours.

“The LUTH vicinity was under heavy gunfire from unknown persons for about three hours,” said another resident. “There were gunshots before 8 p.m., and a child was killed again around that time.”

In response to the incident, the Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Tubosun Aruwe, issued a statement on Thursday condemning the violence and mourning the victim.

“I am deeply saddened and utterly appalled by the senseless and violent attack that occurred last night in Olosha. The loss of an innocent 12-year-old child is a tragedy that strikes at the heart of our humanity,” Aruwe said.

He extended his condolences to the family of Wasiu and other victims of similar violence, promising support and justice.

“My heart goes out to the families of all the victims. I stand with you as we seek justice for these senseless killings,” he added.

Aruwe also urged security agencies to act swiftly in investigating the incident and apprehending those responsible.

When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to multiple calls or WhatsApp messages seeking confirmation on arrests or investigations.

Also read: Beheaded body discovered in Lagos sparks cultism fears in Idimu community

As the Mushin community mourns Wasiu, residents are renewing urgent calls for government intervention and tighter security measures to end the ongoing cult-related violence threatening lives in the area.