Father Of WASSCE Candidate Killed By Stray Bullet Drove Against Traffic, Evading Arrest – Police
The Oyo State Police Command has narrated the incident which led to the shooting and eventual death of a 14-year-old secondary school student, Kehinde Alade.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Alade was fatally struck by a stray bullet in the Alakia-Airport area of Ibadan on Tuesday morning.
Alade, who was reportedly on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), was in the company of his father and twin brother when the incident occurred.
The police command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, said the incident unfolded during a joint traffic enforcement operation involving police officers and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA).
Osifeso said officers attempted to stop a black Honda Accord (Lagos registration number FST 639 JJ), driven by the boy’s father, Odunayo Alade, who was allegedly driving against traffic.
“Rather than complying with lawful directives, the driver allegedly accelerated towards the enforcement team in an attempt to evade arrest, ramming into two OYTMA vehicles and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck,” the statement reads.
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The police said barricades were set up to halt the vehicle, but the driver reportedly forced his way through, continuing to drive recklessly. Osifeso noted that, given the driver’s behaviour, officers suspected a possible abduction or criminal activity and gave chase.
“In an attempt to immobilize the vehicle, a police corporal discharged a firearm aimed at the tyres,” the police spokesperson noted.
“Tragically, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde Alade ‘m’, who was seated in the rear seat behind the driver.
“He was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
“The deceased’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
“To forestall any threat to public peace, the Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, psc, immediately deployed tactical and intelligence units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), to the scene and other strategic locations in Ibadan.
“This swift response restored calm, ensured public safety, and allowed for normal activities to resume.”
Osifeso added that a comprehensive investigation has been ordered and that the officer who fired the fatal shot, along with other team members, has been taken into custody.
He assured the public that the investigation would be transparent and that its findings would be made public.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
