Tension gripped parts of Ibadan on Tuesday following the death of 14-year-old Taiwo Alade, who was reportedly killed by a stray bullet fired by a police officer chasing a fleeing vehicle near the Alakia area.
Eyewitnesses said the officer opened fire along the Gbagi Market Road in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
One of the bullets allegedly struck Taiwo, who was seated in his father’s car with his twin brother.
He was rushed to Welfare Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
A security officer who witnessed the chaos said, “At about 7:30 am today, Tuesday, May 20, a boy whose identity could not be ascertained was hit by a stray bullet from an officer of the Nigeria Police Force at the airport junction.”
“The embattled officer ran into Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport for safety. This led to a crowd at the airport gate, protesting and demanding justice as they said the boy died in a hospital.”
Distraught sympathisers, including traders, carried Taiwo’s body to the Governor’s Office at Agodi, demanding justice and an audience with Governor Seyi Makinde.
Narrating the tragic moment, the boy’s father, Mr. Odunayo Alade, said: “I was conveying Taiwo and his brother to school when my vehicle was hit from behind. While trying to reverse in confusion, a police officer at the area suddenly shot at my vehicle. The bullet hit Taiwo.”
“His brother called my attention to the fact that blood was gushing out of his body. We rushed him to the hospital, but the bullet penetrated his stomach and came out from the other side.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, he added: “Who did I offend? What did I do? I have been taking care of this boy and his brothers alone.”
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), appealed for calm and assured that “justice would be served.”
Taiwo’s body was eventually moved to a mortuary.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Adewale Osifeso, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to messages as of press time.
