Father Of Student Shot Dead By Police Stray Bullet Was Driving Against Traffic - Oyo Police Command

 

A tragic incident unfolded in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State on Monday, May 20, as a 14-year-old student, Kehinde Alade, lost his life after being struck by a stray bullet fired by a police officer.

According to a statement released by the Oyo State Police Command, the incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. along the Airport Roundabout, Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road, during a joint traffic enforcement operation involving officers of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) and the Nigeria Police.

The enforcement team had attempted to stop a black Honda Accord with Lagos registration number FST 639 JJ, driven by Odunayo Alade, the father of the deceased. Police say the driver was caught driving against traffic and refused to comply with directives from enforcement officers.

Rather than pulling over, the driver allegedly accelerated toward the officials in a bid to escape, colliding with two OYTMA vehicles and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck. The situation escalated as barricades were placed in an effort to halt the car and prevent harm to officers and other road users. Despite these measures, the driver reportedly forced his way through the roadblocks, continuing to endanger lives with reckless driving.

The erratic behavior of the motorist raised suspicions among the officers, who feared a possible criminal act or abduction in progress. A pursuit followed, during which a police corporal fired at the vehicle’s tyres in an attempt to bring it to a stop. The shot missed its target and tragically struck young Kehinde Alade, who was seated in the back seat directly behind the driver.

He was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, but was declared dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

Spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Osifeso Adewale, stated that the Commissioner of Police has launched a thorough investigation into the events leading to the fatal shooting. The probe is being led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

The officer who discharged the fatal shot is currently in custody and, along with others involved in the operation, is said to be cooperating fully with investigators. The police command pledged full transparency throughout the inquiry and vowed to make its findings public once the investigation is concluded.

Expressing heartfelt sympathy, the police extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family, assuring them and the public that justice would be pursued.

For urgent matters, members of the public have been reminded they can contact the Oyo State Call Response Center via 615 or reach the police control room through the following numbers: 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.