Tensions flared in the Alakia–Gbagi area of Ibadan on Tuesday after Kehinde Alade, a 14-year-old student, was fatally shot by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a traffic enforcement operation gone wrong.
The tragic incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. near Airport Roundabout, Egbeda LGA, when Kehinde—who was seated in the backseat of a car driven by his father, Odunayo Alade—was struck by a bullet that was reportedly meant to disable the vehicle.
What Happened?
The driver was reportedly driving against traffic when he encountered OYRTMA and police officers.
In an attempt to flee, officers pursued and a shot was fired at the car’s tyres.
The bullet missed the tyres and hit the child, who later died at UCH hospital.
Eyewitnesses say the officers fired after the car refused to stop. Authorities later clarified that the operation was part of a routine crackdown on traffic violations, not a pursuit of a criminal suspect.
Official Reactions
- Oyo State Government called the killing “sad, shocking, and avoidable.”
- A police corporal who fired the shot is currently in custody.
- The Oyo Police Command said officers suspected a possible abduction due to the driver’s erratic behavior.
- A full investigation is underway, led by the State CID.
Community Response
Protests erupted, with residents marching to the Oyo State Secretariat carrying the boy’s body.
Human rights advocates are demanding justice, police accountability, and traffic enforcement reform.
“This tragedy could have been avoided. Traffic violations should not lead to the loss of innocent lives,” said a protester outside the State Secretariat.
Larger Implications
This incident raises concerns about the use of force during routine traffic enforcement, as well as ongoing tensions between citizens and law enforcement in Nigeria.
