There was outrage in the Alakia–Gbagi area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday after a 14-year-old pupil, Kehinde Alade, was killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a policeman during a joint traffic enforcement operation.
The incident, which occurred around 7:45 a.m. along Airport Roundabout, Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road in Egbeda Local Government Area, sparked protests as residents, enraged by the tragic killing, marched to the Oyo State Secretariat with the boy’s corpse, demanding justice.
According to eyewitnesses, the tragedy began when the boy’s father, identified as Odunayo Alade, was allegedly driving a black Honda Accord (registration number FST 639 JJ) against traffic.
Upon sighting a team of officers from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and supporting police personnel, the driver reportedly attempted to evade arrest.
“He was fleeing, and one of the officers shot at the tyre to stop the car, but the bullet hit the child instead,” a witness told Channels TV. “It happened so fast along Gbagi Market Road.”
Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Government, in a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described the killing as “sad, shocking and painful.”
The government extended its condolences to the grieving family and noted that the officer responsible for the shooting was already under investigation.
“The incident was totally avoidable,” the statement read. “It stemmed from a traffic violation committed by the father of the deceased, who was driving against traffic.”
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It added that during the attempt to apprehend him, “a policeman—now under investigation—fired a shot aimed at one of the car’s tyres. The bullet missed the tyre but struck the student inside the vehicle, causing fatal injuries.”
The government further clarified that contrary to reports suggesting the police were chasing a suspected internet fraudster, the operation was part of a routine crackdown on one-way traffic offenders.
According to the statement, the enforcement was prompted by rising public complaints and past incidents in which similar traffic violations led to loss of lives and injuries.
“The backup from the police became necessary after assaults on OYRTMA officials and the recent killing of one official by a traffic offender in Ibadan,” the government said, urging residents to remain calm and allow the investigation to take its course.
Police Speaks
In a separate statement issued Tuesday evening, the Oyo State Police Command also confirmed the boy’s death and said the officer who fired the fatal shot was already in custody.
The statement, signed by Police Public Relations Officer CSP Adewale Osifeso, said, “Given the nature of the driver’s conduct, officers suspected possible criminal activity or a case of abduction.
“A police chase ensued. In an attempt to immobilise the vehicle, a police corporal discharged a firearm aimed at the tyres. Tragically, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde Alade, who was seated in the rear seat behind the driver.”
The police noted that the driver had allegedly rammed into two OYRTMA vehicles and a police Buffalo Patrol truck while attempting to flee, prompting officers to erect barricades.
However, the driver reportedly broke through the barriers and continued driving recklessly.
The teenager was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His body has since been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
To prevent further unrest, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola Hamzat, deployed tactical and intelligence teams—including the Police Mobile Force—to strategic areas across Ibadan. Calm has since returned to the affected area.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department. The Command remains resolute in its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring accountability,” the police statement stated.
Residents and human rights advocates are now calling on authorities to ensure that justice is served in what many have called an avoidable and heartbreaking tragedy.
