A 12-year-old boy, identified as Wasiu, lost his life after being struck by a stray bullet during a violent clash between rival cult groups in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

The tragic incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Olosha axis of the community during a heated confrontation between cult factions.

Witnesses reported that Wasiu had stepped out to purchase food from a local vendor known as Iya Ibeji when gunfire suddenly erupted, triggering widespread panic as residents fled for safety.

A resident, Tale Amoo, explained that the young boy was caught in the chaos while attempting to escape the gunfire.

“We started hearing gunshots around 8 p.m., and people immediately rushed into their houses. Shop owners shut down their businesses. Wasiu was waiting to buy food when he got caught in the crossfire. As he tried to run, a bullet hit him,” Amoo said.

Another community member, who asked not to be named, said Wasiu’s lifeless body was discovered after calm returned to the area. Attempts to rush him to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) failed, as the hospital’s main gate was locked.

“The atmosphere was tense, so many people didn’t realize he had been shot. By the time they found him and rushed him to LUTH, the entrance was closed. They tried to use the other gate, but cult members had taken over that route,” the resident added.

Residents noted that the area had been under siege by suspected cultists in recent days, with continuous gunfire heard for hours leading up to the incident.

“Unknown gunmen fired shots for about three hours. It was terrifying. The whole LUTH vicinity was under siege. It was during this chaos that the boy was killed,” said another resident who declined to be identified due to safety concerns.

Reacting to the development, the Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Tubosun Aruwe, condemned the attack, describing it as senseless and devastating.

“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the violent attack that occurred in the Olosha area. The death of this innocent child is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Aruwe stated.

He offered condolences to the bereaved family and others affected by similar incidents, assuring them of his support in seeking justice.

“My thoughts are with all the families mourning their loved ones. We will stand by them and ensure that justice is pursued for these terrible acts,” he added.

Aruwe also urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.

As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Police Command has not issued any statement or confirmed if any arrests have been made. Efforts to reach the police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, for comments were unsuccessful.