Why I Flouted Traffic Laws – Father Of 14-Year-Old Student Killed By Stray Bullet
The father of the 14-year-old secondary school student shot by police in Ibadan, Oyo State, Odunayo Alade, has explained what led to the incident that claimed the life of his son, Kehinde Alade.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the victim was hit by a stray bullet, allegedly fired by a yet-to-be-identified police officer, during a high-speed chase.
The incident occurred around the Alakia-Airport Road in Ibadan, as the officer and the traffic agency officials pursued a fleeing vehicle suspected to be conveying internet fraudsters, popularly called ‘Yahoo boys’.
Recounting the harrowing event, the father of the teenager, Alade, explained why he drove against traffic.
Speaking, when newsmen visited his house, he said: “I take them to school every day and then, in the afternoon, if I am chanced, I pick them back home. There were about five children in the car. While some were going to the Olatundun area, others were going to Olabidan. When I came out of the house, I needed to pump the tyre at a junction close by. As the vulcaniser finished, I entered the car to move and, as I moved, I saw a car moving towards me. I did not know it belonged to the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority.
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“As soon as I saw them, I moved, but they tried stopping me and, in the process, they hit my car. I, thereafter, put the car in reverse to bypass them, but I did not know four vehicles were chasing me.
“As their towing vehicle hit my car, I manoeuvred and escaped; but the next thing I heard was a gunshot. My son was shouting ‘Daddy, daddy’ in the back seat, but I tried to caution him to keep quiet, as we had left the scene. Unknown to me, the stray bullet hit the boy. It was his twin brother who said: ‘Daddy, stop, Taiwo (sic) has been shot’.
“As I parked to bring the boy out, the policemen and officials of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority were running after me.
“In the process, I held onto one of them. People gathered and rushed the boy to the hospital, and, from there, he was taken to UCH. Unfortunately, when we got there, he gave up the ghost.”
When asked whether he was a suspect, the father said: “No.”
He, however, explained that “one of the officials opened the back door and saw that they were kids in the vehicle. I didn’t know if they were chasing after Yahoo boys or not. I was just taking my children to school.
“It was his elder brother that was writing his WAEC, the one that was shot was in SS1 and would have been 14 by November 26,” he lamented.
He also revealed that he and his wife have been separated for seven years.
He said, “Their mother abandoned us seven years ago, and I made a promise to myself to give my children the best life possible. I’ve worked tirelessly to provide for them, often sacrificing my needs.
“I have turned down opportunities to remarry because I wanted to focus on raising my kids. I often wonder which woman would accept me and my situation without jeopardising their well-being.”
With tears streaming down his face, Alade, who made a heartfelt plea for justice for his son, said, “This cannot go unpunished. I want those responsible to be held accountable. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child in such a senseless manner.
“Kehinde was a bright boy with dreams and aspirations. He loved school and was excited about his future, and now all of that has been stolen from us.
“I need to understand why this happened. My son had so much potential, and it feels incredibly unfair that his life was cut short due to a reckless decision by those who are supposed to protect us. I demand answers, and I want to ensure that no other family has to suffer this unbearable loss.”
Meanwhile, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has ordered an investigation into the tragic incident.
The Police Chief, who condemned the shooting, promised transparency and accountability, assuring that the findings of the investigation would be made public.
Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, 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.
“He equally reiterated that the process will be transparent, and its findings made public to ensure justice is duly served, as he expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased young man.”
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.
