A 16-year-old boy identified as Mustapha lost his life after being struck by a stray bullet during an outbreak of violence in the Oyingbo area of Ebute Metta, Lagos State.
The incident reportedly took place shortly after a peace walk organized by local youths aimed at discouraging cult-related violence in the area.
According to sources, tensions escalated immediately after the march concluded, leading to a heated argument.
A resident, who preferred not to be named, told our reporter that the situation turned chaotic when an individual believed to be a cultist brandished a weapon and began firing randomly.
One of the bullets reportedly struck Mustapha, who was not involved in the conflict.
“Mustapha was just there to show support. He wasn’t part of any cult. He was a quiet and respectful boy,” the resident said. “He was rushed to the hospital after being shot, but unfortunately, he didn’t make it.”
The unexpected violence sparked panic in the community and led to a premature end of the event.
Reports also indicate that one of the event’s organizers sustained gunshot wounds and is currently battling for survival in the hospital.
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to his phone went unanswered at the time of filing this report.
This incident follows a similar episode of violence reported in the Idimu area of Lagos, where the bodies of two men — one of whom had been beheaded — were discovered after an apparent cult-related attack over the weekend.