Father of the student shot dead by police in Ibadan explains why he drove against traffic
The father of a 15-year-old boy who was fatally shot dead by police in Ibadan, Oyo State, has expressed his deep sorrow and anger over the loss of his son, Kehinde Alade.
Odunayo Alade spoke out after his son was struck by a bullet fired by an unidentified police officer during a high-speed chase. The incident reportedly took place near Gbagi Market Road in Ibadan, where police and traffic officials were pursuing a vehicle believed to be carrying internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys.” This tragic event has sparked outrage and protests in the area.
Describing the events leading up to the shooting, Odunayo explained why he was driving against traffic. He said, “I take my children to school every day, and if I have time in the afternoon, I pick them up.
There were five kids in the car that day. Some were headed to the Olatundun area, while others were going to Olabidan. When I left the house, I needed to inflate a tire at a nearby junction. After the vulcanizer finished, I got back in the car to leave, and I saw a vehicle approaching me. I didn’t realize it was from the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority.
“As soon as I noticed them, I tried to move, but they attempted to stop me and ended up hitting my car. I then put the car in reverse to get around them, but I didn’t know that four other vehicles were chasing me.
When their towing vehicle collided with mine, I maneuvered to escape, but then I heard a gunshot. My son was in the back seat, shouting ‘Daddy, daddy.’ I told him to be quiet since we had left the scene, unaware that a stray bullet had hit him.
It was his twin brother who said, ‘Daddy, stop, Taiwo has been shot.’
“When I parked to get my son out, the police and traffic officials were running after me. I grabbed one of them for help. People gathered and rushed my son to the hospital, and from there, he was taken to UCH. Unfortunately, he passed away there.”
When asked if he was a suspect, the father replied, “No.” He explained that one of the officials had opened the back door and saw that there were children in the vehicle. “I didn’t know they were chasing after Yahoo boys; I was just taking my children to school. My older son was preparing for his WAEC exams, and Kehinde, who was shot, was in SS1 and would have turned 14 on November 26,” he lamented.
Odunayo also shared that he and his wife have been separated for seven years. “Their mother left us seven years ago, and I promised myself to give my children the best life possible. I’ve worked hard to provide for them, often sacrificing my own 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 jeopardizing their well-being.”
With tears in his eyes, Alade made a heartfelt plea for justice for his son.
“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.”
In response to the incident, IGP Egbetokun has ordered an investigation.
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