A 12-year-old child named Wasiu was killed by a stray bullet during a cult clash in Mushin, Lagos State.
It was gathered on Thursday that the incident took place at 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Olosha part of the village, when competing cult groups clashed violently.
Our correspondent learnt that Wasiu had gone to buy food from a local seller, known as Iya Ibeji, when the gunshots stated.
A local, Tale Amoo, informed our correspondent that the gunfire by the cultists triggered panic in the community as everyone fled for safety.
According to Amoo, Wasiu, however, was caught in the crossfire while also trying to escape to safety.
He said, “We started hearing sounds of gunshots around 8 pm, and people started running into their homes while business owners closed their shops.
“Meanwhile, Wasiu was waiting to buy food from a vendor called Iya Ibeji when he got caught up in the clash. It was while he also tried to seek refuge that the stray bullet hit him.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the late Wasiu’s body was discovered lying lifeless by the time the situation had calmed.
The resident further stated that his attempts to gain access to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital were unsuccessful because the facility’s entrance was closed.
“The tense situation was the reason why Wasiu did not get medical attention on time because no one knew he had already been hit by a bullet.
“Residents who found him lying on the floor quickly rushed him to LUTH, but their gate was shut. They tried to get through to the other gate, but the presence of the cultists along the route stopped them,” the resident said.
He went on to say that in recent days, alleged cult members have terrorised the town.
A resident who spoke about the incident but asked to remain anonymous because of the delicate nature of the issue told our correspondent that hours of gunshots engulfed the neighbourhood.
According to him, “The LUTH vicinity in Mushin was under attack by unknown persons as guns rang out for the past three hours. There were gunshots before 8 pm. They killed a child around the same time.
In a statement released on Thursday, Tubosun Aruwe, the vice chairman of Mushin Local Government, denounced the attack as devastating and unnecessary.
Aruwe said The tragedy that struck at the heart of humanity was the death of the deceased and others who had died during similar attacks.
“I am deeply saddened and utterly appalled by the senseless and violent attack that occurred last night in the Olosha area of the Mushin Local Government Area.
“The loss of the innocent life of a 10-year-old child is a tragedy that strikes at the very heart of our humanity,” the statement read in part.
Aruwe sent his sympathies to the departed and other victims’ families and promised to assist them in their fight for justice.
“My heart goes out to the families of all the victims during this challenging time. I share in your grief and stand with you as we seek justice for these senseless killings,” he added.
Additionally, he urged security services to look into the situation right away and make sure that those involved are caught and charged right away.
