In a heartbreaking incident that has left the Mushin community reeling, a 12-year-old boy, known only as Wasiu, lost his life to a stray bullet amid a fierce cult rivalry in Lagos State. The chaos unfolded in the bustling Olosha neighborhood, where a deadly confrontation between warring cult factions turned a routine evening into a nightmare.
According to local sources, the tragedy struck around 8 p.m. on Wednesday as Wasiu, an innocent bystander, was grabbing a meal from a well-known local vendor, Iya Ibeji. Suddenly, the air was pierced by relentless gunfire, sparking widespread panic. Residents scrambled for cover, shops slammed shut, and the vibrant streets fell into disarray.
Tale Amoo, a local resident, recounted the harrowing scene: “The gunshots came out of nowhere. Everyone was running for their lives. Wasiu was just waiting for his food when the violence erupted. He tried to flee like the rest of us, but a stray bullet found him.”
Another witness, speaking anonymously due to the volatile situation, described the grim aftermath. “Once the shooting stopped, we found Wasiu lifeless on the ground. The community was in shock. We rushed him toward Lagos University Teaching Hospital, but the gates were locked tight, and the ongoing threat of cultists blocked access to another entrance. Time ran out for him.”
The Olosha area has been plagued by escalating cult violence in recent days, with residents reporting hours of unrelenting gunfire. “It was like a warzone,” said another local, who also requested anonymity. “The shooting started before 8 p.m. and went on for hours. They took a child’s life in the chaos.”
Tubosun Aruwe, Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government, issued a powerful condemnation of the violence, calling the loss of young Wasiu “a wound to our collective soul.” In a heartfelt statement, Aruwe expressed his grief: “This senseless act has robbed us of a bright young life. My thoughts are with Wasiu’s family, and I stand with them in demanding justice for this tragedy.”
Aruwe urged security forces to act swiftly, pressing for a thorough investigation and the immediate arrest of those responsible. “We cannot allow such brutality to go unpunished,” he declared.
Efforts to reach Benjamin Hundeyin, the state police spokesperson, for comment on the incident or any arrests were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
The Mushin community now mourns the loss of a young soul, with residents calling for an end to the cult violence that continues to haunt their streets. As the investigation unfolds, Wasiu’s death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating toll of unchecked gang rivalries.
