A tragic incident unfolded in Ibadan, Oyo State, as 14-year-old Kehinde Alade was fatally shot by a stray bullet during a police pursuit. The teenager was en route to sit for his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) when the unfortunate event occurred.
Odunayo Alade, the bereaved father, recounted the harrowing experience that led to his son’s untimely death. According to him, he was driving his children to school when he encountered officers from the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) and police personnel. In an attempt to avoid confrontation, he inadvertently drove against traffic, unaware that his actions would have fatal consequences.
“I take them to school every day and then, in the afternoon, if I am chanced, I pick them back home,” Alade explained. “There were about five children in the car. While some were going to the Olatundun area, others were going to Olabidan.”
He further detailed how, after a brief stop to fix a tire, he resumed driving and was confronted by OYTMA officials. “As soon as I saw them, I moved, but they tried stopping me and, in the process, they hit my car. I, thereafter, put the car in reverse to bypass them, but I did not know four vehicles were chasing me,” he said.
In the ensuing chaos, a gunshot was fired, and Kehinde was struck by a stray bullet. “My son was shouting ‘Daddy, daddy’ in the back seat, but I tried to caution him to keep quiet, as we had left the scene. Unknown to me, the stray bullet hit the boy. It was his twin brother who said: ‘Daddy, stop, Taiwo has been shot’,” Alade recounted.
Alade, who has been raising his children alone since separating from their mother seven years ago, expressed profound grief over the loss of his son. “Their mother abandoned us seven years ago, and I made a promise to myself to give my children the best life possible,” he shared. “Kehinde was a bright boy with dreams and aspirations. He loved school and was excited about his future, and now all of that has been stolen from us.”
He called for accountability, stating, “This cannot go unpunished. I want those responsible to be held accountable. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child in such a senseless manner.”
Meanwhile, in response to the incident, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a full-scale investigation. The officer involved in the shooting has been taken into custody, and the IGP assured the public of a transparent process. “The IGP condemned the incident and assured that the officer involved in the shooting has been taken into custody while a full-scale investigation is underway,” stated Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi. “He equally reiterated that the process will be transparent, and its findings made public to ensure justice is duly served, as he expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased young man.”
