A tragic incident unfolded on Monday in the Oyingbo area of Ebute Metta, Lagos State, as a 16-year-old boy, identified only as Mustapha, lost his life to a stray bullet during a suspected cult clash.
The violence erupted shortly after a peace walk organised by local youths aimed at promoting unity and addressing the surge in cult-related violence within the community. According to reports, the march had just concluded when a disagreement broke out among participants.
An eyewitness recounted that the confrontation quickly escalated when an individual believed to be a cultist brandished a firearm and began shooting indiscriminately. In the chaos, Mustapha was struck by a stray bullet.
Residents described the teenager as a peaceful and well-mannered youth with no known ties to any cult group.
“Mustapha just came out to support the walk. He was not part of any gang. He is a calm and respectful boy. He was taken to the hospital after the bullet hit him but he died on the way,” a source said.
The shooting sparked fear and confusion in the area, bringing the event to an abrupt end. It was also gathered that one of the organisers of the walk sustained gunshot injuries and is currently in critical condition.
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer for a statement were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.
