The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the heartbreaking death of a teenager, Kehinde Alade, who was struck by a stray bullet in the Gbagi area of Ibadan while on his way to the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The 14-year-old was accompanied by his father and twin brother when the tragic incident occurred on Tuesday morning along the Gbagi Market Road in Egbeda Local Government Area.
According to a statement from Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso, the incident unfolded while police operatives were conducting a joint traffic enforcement operation with personnel from the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA). The officers attempted to stop a vehicle, a black Honda Accord with Lagos registration number FST 639 JJ, that was driving against traffic, driven by Kehinde’s father, Odunayo.
“Rather than complying with lawful directives, the driver allegedly accelerated towards the enforcement team in a bid to evade arrest, colliding with two OYTMA vehicles and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck,” Osifeso explained.
In an effort to prevent further damage and possible casualties among officers and road users, barricades were deployed to immobilize the fleeing vehicle. However, the driver reportedly broke through these barriers and continued to drive recklessly.
Given the driver’s evasive actions, officers began to suspect possible criminal activity or even abduction, prompting a chase of the vehicle. “In an attempt to immobilize the vehicle, a police corporal discharged a firearm aimed at the tires,” Osifeso added. Tragically, the bullet missed its intended target and struck Kehinde, who was seated in the rear seat behind the driver.
He was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The deceased’s body has been transferred to the mortuary at Adeoyo State Hospital for autopsy and preservation.
In light of the incident, Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, promptly deployed tactical and intelligence units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), to the scene and other strategic locations in Ibadan to maintain public order and safety.
Additionally, Osifeso confirmed that an investigation into the incident has been ordered. The officer responsible for discharging the firearm, along with other members of the enforcement team, has been taken into custody. The police assured the public that the investigation will be thorough and transparent, with findings made available once concluded.