How Cultists Killed 12-Year-Old Boy at Roadside Eatery in Lagos

How Cultists Killed 12-Year-Old Boy at Roadside Eatery in Lagos

  • A 12-year-old boy was tragically killed by a stray bullet during a violent cult clash in Mushin, Lagos, while simply trying to buy dinner
  • The incident, which unfolded near a roadside eatery, has left the community reeling and reignited concerns over escalating cult violence in Nigeria
  • Residents say the area had been under siege for days, with Wasiu’s death marking a heartbreaking consequence of unchecked gang warfare

A 12-year-old boy, Wasiu, was fatally struck by a stray bullet during a violent clash between rival cult groups in the Olosha area of Mushin, Lagos State, on the evening of 2 July 2025. The incident occurred just after 8 pm, as the bustling neighbourhood was winding down for the day.

Wasiu had reportedly gone to a nearby roadside eatery, locally known as a ‘Mama Put’, to buy his dinner.

How Cultists Killed 12-Year-Old Boy at Roadside Eatery in Lagos
How Cultists Killed 12-Year-Old Boy at Roadside Eatery in Lagos
Source: Getty Images

Eyewitnesses described the street as lively, with traders closing shop and residents engaging in casual evening conversations. But the calm was shattered when gunfire erupted, sending residents fleeing in panic.

Read also

Lagos: Tears, commotion as prominent skit maker killed

“He was just trying to get food,” said Tale Amoo, a local resident. “Wasiu was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Stray bullet ends innocent life

According to accounts from the scene, Wasiu attempted to escape the chaos, clutching a few naira notes in his hand. Tragically, he was struck by a stray bullet as he ran for cover. His lifeless body was later found near the food vendor’s stall.

Residents rushed to save the boy, taking him to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. However, their efforts were thwarted as the hospital gates were reportedly locked, and alternate entrances were blocked by the same cultists who had earlier unleashed terror in the area.

“No one even knew he had been hit at first,” a resident told The PUNCH anonymously. “When they finally found him and rushed to the hospital, the gate was locked. And the other gate was inaccessible because of the cultists.

Read also

Just in: Soludo mentions action taken against operatives who assaulted corps member in viral video

Mushin community gripped by fear

In the days leading up to the incident, Mushin had been plagued by escalating violence between rival cult groups. Residents said the area had been under siege, with gunfire echoing through the streets for hours.

“There were gunshots for over three hours that night,” another resident recounted. “This place has been under attack. That boy didn’t deserve to die like that.”

Wasiu’s death has become a symbol of the growing crisis of cult violence in Nigeria, where innocent lives are increasingly caught in the crossfire. His tragic end underscores the urgent need for authorities to address the menace that continues to threaten the safety and sanity of communities across the country.

Cult clashes in Nigeria, worsening crisis

The killing of Wasiu adds to a disturbing trend of cult-related violence that has claimed numerous innocent lives. As rival groups battle for dominance, the consequences extend far beyond their ranks, affecting everyday citizens who find themselves in harm’s way.

Read also

Football tragedy strikes as player suddenly collapses and loses his life

Security experts and community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger intervention and proactive policing to stem the tide of cultism. For many in Mushin and beyond, the fear remains palpable, and the demand for justice and safety grows louder.

Wasiu’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of unchecked violence—and a call to action for those in power to protect the vulnerable.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is a journalist with more than five years of experience. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ekiti State University (2018). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022), and Staff Writer at The Movee (2018). He is a 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow, OCRP Fellow at ICIR, and Accountability Fellow at CJID. Email: basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.

Tags:
Page was generated in 3.0940988063812