- Safiu Kehinde
A 12-year-old boy simply identified as Wasiu has been killed by a stray bullet during a cult clashing in Mushin area of Lagos State.
The tragic incident occured around 8pm on Wednesday at Olosha community.
According to report, Wasiu had gone to buy food from a local seller, known as Iya Ibeji, when the suspected cult members began exchange of gunfire.
An eyewitness disclosed that the boy was caught in the crossfire while also trying to escape to safety.
“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.” the eyewitness said.
Meanwhile, the clash had left many scampered for safety with Wasiu found several minutes after calm was restored.
Another resident, who spoke with the Chronicles under condition of anonymity, stated that the late Wasiu’s body was discovered lying lifeless by the time the situation had calmed.
He recounted futile efforts to gain access to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) as 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.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Thursday, Tubosun Aruwe, the vice chairman of Mushin Local Government, condemned what he described as senseless and violent attack.
“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,” he said.
Aruwe expressed his condolences to the 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.
The council Vice Chairman urged security services to look into the situation right away and make sure that those involved are caught and charged right away.
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