Police Officer Allegedly Shoots Dead Schoolboy in Ibadan, Sparks Protests
Ibadan, Oyo State, May 20-21, 2025 – A tragic incident in Ibadan has sparked widespread outrage and protests after a 14-year-old schoolboy, Kehinde (Taiwo) Alade, was fatally shot by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a joint traffic enforcement operation. The boy was on his way to sit the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) when the shooting occurred along Gbagi Market Road in the Alakia area.
Incident Details
The shooting happened around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, during a police chase of a black Honda Accord (registration FST 639 JJ) driven by the boy’s father, Odunayo Alade. The father was reportedly driving against traffic and attempted to evade arrest by officers from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and the police.
Eyewitnesses said the police officer fired a shot aimed at the vehicle’s tyres to stop it, but the bullet missed and struck Kehinde, who was seated in the back seat. The boy was rushed first to Welfare Hospital and then to University College Hospital (UCH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Odunayo Alade recounted the harrowing moment:
“I was in the vehicle with my son and his brother. Suddenly, a police officer shot at the car. Before I realized, the bullet had hit my son. His brothers alerted me when they saw blood pouring from his body.”
Public Outcry and Protests
The incident ignited protests in the Alakia–Gbagi area, with residents and sympathizers carrying the boy’s body to the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, demanding justice from Governor Seyi Makinde. The community expressed deep sorrow and anger over the loss of an innocent child due to police action.
Official Responses and Investigation
The Oyo State Government described the incident as “sad, shocking and painful,” confirming that the officer involved has been arrested and is under investigation. The government clarified that the shooting was linked to a routine crackdown on traffic violations, not a pursuit of internet fraud suspects as some rumors suggested.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the death and stated that the driver had rammed into two OYRTMA vehicles and a police Buffalo Patrol truck while fleeing, prompting officers to erect barricades. Despite this, the driver continued recklessly, leading to the police firing aimed at the tyres.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun condemned the shooting and ordered a full-scale investigation, assuring the public of transparency and justice. The officer responsible has been taken into custody.
Security Measures and Aftermath
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police deployed tactical and intelligence teams, including the Police Mobile Force, to restore calm and prevent further unrest. Calm has since returned to the affected area.
The boy’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
