The father of the 15-year-old boy who was shot dead by a police officer in Ibadan, Oyo State, Odunayo Alade, has gone into hiding following the painful loss of his son, Kehinde Alade.
Speaking to journalists, the grieving father recounted the events that led to his son’s untimely death and the role traffic officials and police played in the tragedy.
According to Mr. Alade, he was on his usual routine of taking his children to school when the incident occurred. He had stopped briefly near his home to inflate a tyre at a vulcaniser’s shop. Once done, he set off, unaware of the danger ahead.
“As I moved, I saw a car coming toward me. I didn’t know it was Oyo State Traffic Management Authority. They tried to stop me and hit my car,” he said.
Panicking, Mr. Alade reversed to get away, not realizing that four vehicles were in pursuit.
“As their towing vehicle hit my car, I manoeuvred and escaped; but the next thing I heard was a gunshot,” he explained. It wasn’t until one of his twin sons cried out that he realized something was terribly wrong. “Taiwo has been shot,” his other son shouted.
The chase had reportedly been initiated as authorities suspected they were trailing internet fraudsters, commonly called ‘Yahoo boys.’
Mr. Alade insists he was simply taking children to school. Among the kids in the car, his son Kehinde—who was in SS1 and preparing to turn 14 in November—was hit by a stray bullet. Despite efforts to rush him to the University College Hospital, he did not survive.
Mr. Alade, who has been raising his children alone since separating from their mother seven years ago, expressed deep sorrow. “Their mother abandoned us. I’ve sacrificed everything for them. I never remarried because I wanted to focus on them.”
Through tears, he made a heartfelt appeal for justice. “This cannot go unpunished. I want those responsible to be held accountable. Kehinde had dreams and now everything has been taken from us.”
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called for a thorough investigation into the shooting. The officer suspected of firing the deadly shot has been arrested. Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said, “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.”
The statement also noted that findings of the investigation will be made public and pledged that justice would be served.
