A joint traffic enforcement operation by the Oyo State Police Command and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) turned tragic on Tuesday morning, leading to the death of a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade, in the Alakia-Adelubi area of Ibadan.
According to a statement by the police, the incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. near the Airport Roundabout in Egbeda Local Government Area. The boy was reportedly hit by a stray bullet fired by a police officer attempting to stop his father, Odunayo Alade, who was allegedly driving against traffic and trying to evade arrest.
The police said Alade, driving a black Honda Accord with Lagos registration number FST 639 JJ, rammed into two OYTMA vehicles and a police patrol truck during the chase. Officers reportedly set up barricades, but the driver broke through them, raising suspicions of a possible criminal act or abduction.
A police corporal fired at the vehicle’s tyres to stop it, but the bullet struck Kehinde, who was seated in the back seat. He was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) but was confirmed dead on arrival. His body has been moved to the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
To prevent further unrest, Commissioner of Police Johnson Adenola deployed tactical units across the area. Calm was later restored.
The officer who fired the shot has been taken into custody, and a full investigation led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department is underway.
The police command expressed deep regret over the incident and extended condolences to the family of the deceased. They promised that the investigation will be transparent and its findings made public.
For emergencies, residents are urged to contact the Oyo State Police Command through the emergency line 615 or call 08081768614, 09054133071, or 09061299291.
