The father of the 14-year-old boy who was killed by a stray bullet in Ibadan, Oyo State, Mr. Odunayo Alade, has reportedly gone into hiding as he mourns the tragic loss of his son, Kehinde Alade.
The unfortunate incident, which occurred along Gbagi Market Road, sparked outrage and protests across parts of Ibadan. It was gathered that the teenager was hit during a high-speed chase involving police officers and officials of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), who were reportedly pursuing a vehicle suspected to be conveying internet fraudsters, commonly known as ‘Yahoo boys’.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to identify those responsible and ensure justice is served.
Narrating the incident, Mr. Alade said he was taking some children to school, including his twin sons, when he encountered the OYRTMA officials.
“I take my children to school every morning and sometimes pick them up in the afternoon if I’m free. That morning, I had about five children in the car. I stopped briefly to pump one of my tyres, and as I was about to move, I saw a vehicle approaching. I didn’t know it belonged to the traffic officials. They tried to stop me and hit my car. I reversed to get away, not knowing four other vehicles were chasing me,” he said.
He explained that in the confusion, a gunshot rang out, and one of his sons began crying from the back seat. “I told him to calm down, thinking we had escaped danger, but then his twin brother shouted, ‘Daddy, stop, Taiwo has been shot’,” he added.
According to him, efforts were made to rush the boy to the hospital. He said as he parked and tried to get help, officials were still pursuing him, but members of the public intervened and rushed Taiwo to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was later confirmed dead.
When asked if he was involved in any criminal activity, Mr. Alade denied the allegation, saying, “I was only taking my children to school. One of the officials even opened the car door and saw that they were kids.”
He further revealed that the deceased, Taiwo, was a Secondary School 1 (SS1) student and would have turned 14 by November 26. His elder brother, who was also in the vehicle, was writing his WAEC exams at the time of the incident.
The tragic killing has continued to generate public outcry, with calls for accountability and justice from the authorities.
