Nigeria: Stray bullet kills 12-year-old boy during gang violence in Lagos

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A young boy named Wasiu tragically 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 incident occurred around 8 p.m. in the Olosha community on Wednesday evening. Wasiu had reportedly gone out to buy food from a local food vendor when chaos erupted. As gunshots rang out and panic spread, the 12-year-old tried to flee for safety but was hit in the process.

According to witnesses, the gunfire sent people running into their homes while shops and businesses hurriedly shut down. Residents later found Wasiu lying motionless after the fighting had died down.

Attempts to rush him to a nearby hospital were unsuccessful. Those who tried to save him said the main hospital gate was closed, and alternative routes were blocked due to the presence of the armed attackers.

One resident lamented the growing insecurity in the community, saying that cult-related violence had become more frequent in recent days. Another described how gunshots had echoed through the area for hours before and after the fatal incident.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Tubosun Aruwe, condemned the attack and described it as both senseless and heartbreaking. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the young boy and extended his condolences to the grieving family and others who had suffered similar losses.

He called on security agencies to take immediate action to identify and arrest those responsible for the violence, urging that justice be served without delay.

As of Thursday, police had yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident or whether any arrests had been made.