The Oyo State Police Command has given its account of the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old student, Kehinde Alade, on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Ibadan on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by its public relations officer, Adewale Osifeso, the command said the incident occurred during a joint traffic enforcement operation involving the police and the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority (OYRTMA)at approximately 7:45 a.m. along Airport Roundabout, Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road in Egbeda Local Government Area.
Osifeso alleged that the boy’s father, Odunayo Alade, driving a black Honda Accord (with Lagos registration number FST 639 JJ), drove against traffic and refused to comply with directives to stop.
“Rather than complying, the driver accelerated towards the enforcement team, ramming into two OYRTMA vehicles and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck. In an attempt to prevent further damage and harm to officers and road users, barricades were set up, but the driver reportedly broke through them, continuing recklessly,” Osifeso said.
He added that, fearing potential criminal activity or abduction, a police corporal attempted to disable the vehicle by firing at its tyres but missed, tragically striking Kehinde, who was seated in the rear seat.
The teenager was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, but was confirmed dead on arrival. His body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
To prevent unrest, the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, deployed tactical and intelligence units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), to the scene and strategic locations in Ibadan. Calm was reportedly restored swiftly.
The commissioner has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The officer responsible for the firearm discharge has been detained and is cooperating with the investigation.
“The Oyo State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the family of Kehinde Alade. The Command remains resolute in its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring accountability. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the statement added.
