By Ibidapo Olowolayemo, Ibadan
Thursday May 22, 2025
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The Oyo State government has commiserated with the family of a secondary school boy slain during a routine traffic infraction operation on Alakia Old Road, Ibadan, describing the incident as sad, shocking, and painful.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the state governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government stated that the state government would work with the Oyo State Police Command to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.
The government noted that the incident was avoidable, noting how what started as a traffic offense, with the father of the slain boy driving against traffic, resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
It charged residents to remain calm as the police and the government handled the situation, while it also warned residents against breaking traffic rules.
The state government clarified that contrary to claims that the incident occurred while the police were chasing a suspected internet fraudster, the incident occurred during a routine operation against traffic infractions carried out by men of the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority (OYRTMA).
According to the government, OYRTMA officials, in conjunction with a team from the police, embarked on the traffic operation on Alakia Old Road, following complaints from residents over constant one-way traffic violations that have led to deaths and life-threatening injuries on the axis.
It explained that the backup from the police became imperative following assaults on OYRTMA officials and a recent killing of one official in Ibadan by a traffic offender.
The government maintained that the father of the slain boy drove a tinted black Honda Accord car with registration number FST 639 JU against the traffic at around 7:30 a.m.
It noted that it was during an attempt to apprehend the traffic offender that a policeman, who is already being investigated by the Oyo State Police Command, allegedly aimed a shot at one of the tyres of the car, which missed the target.
Why I flouted traffic laws — Bereaved father
Meanwhile, the father of the 15-year-old boy shot by police in Ibadan, Oyo State, Odunayo Alade, has explained his reasons for driving against the traffic, which it was gathered caused the unfortunate incident.
Recall that a secondary school student, simply identified as Taiwo Alade, was said to have been hit by a stray bullet, allegedly fired by a yet-to-be-identified police officer, during a high-speed chase.
The incident, it was gathered, occurred around Gbagi Market Road in Ibadan, as the officer and the traffic agency officials pursued a fleeing vehicle, suspected to be conveying internet fraudsters, popularly called ‘Yahoo boys’.
The death of the teenager, however, sparked widespread protest in Ibadan.
Recounting the harrowing event, the father of the teenager, explained why he drove against traffic.
Speaking, when newsmen visited his house, he said: “I take them to school every day and then, in the afternoon, if I am chanced, I pick them back home. There were about five children in the car. While some were going to the Olatundun area, others were going to Olabidan. When I came out of the house, I needed to pump the tire at a junction close by. As the vulcaniser finished, I entered the car to move and, as I moved, I saw a car moving towards me. I did not know it belonged to the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority.
“As soon as I saw them, I moved, but they tried stopping me and, in the process, they hit my car. I, thereafter, put the car in reverse to bypass them, but I did not know four vehicles were chasing me.
“As their towing vehicle hit my car, I manoeuvred and escaped; but the next thing I heard was a gunshot. My son was shouting ‘Daddy, daddy’ in the back seat, but I tried to caution him to keep quiet, as we had left the scene. Unknown to me, the stray bullet hit the boy. It was his twin brother who said: ‘Daddy, stop, Taiwo has been shot’.
“As I parked to bring the boy out, the policemen and officials of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority were running after me.
“In the process, I held onto one of them. People gathered and rushed the boy to the hospital, and, from there, he was taken to UCH. Unfortunately, when we got there, he gave up the ghost.”
When asked whether he was a suspect, the father said: “No.”
He, however, explained that “one of the officials opened the back door and saw that they were kids in the vehicle. I didn’t know if they were chasing after Yahoo boys or not. I was just taking my children to school.
“It was his elder brother that was writing his WAEC, the one that was shot was in SS1 and would have been 14 by November 26,” he lamented.
* Separated from wife 7 years ago
He also revealed that he and his wife have been separated for seven years.
He said: “Their mother abandoned us seven years ago, and I made a promise to myself to give my children the best life possible. I’ve worked tirelessly to provide for them, often sacrificing my 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 streaming down his face, the father, who made a heartfelt plea for justice for his son, said: “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.
“Taiwo 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.”
IGP orders probe into killing, policeman arrested
Meanwhile, IGP Egbetokun has ordered an investigation into the tragic incident.
The Police Chief, who condemned the shooting, promised transparency and accountability, assuring that the findings of the investigation would be made public.
Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said: “The IGP condemned the incident and assured that the officer involved in the shooting has been taken into custody while a full-scale investigation is underway. He equally reiterated that the process will be transparent, and its findings made public to ensure justice is duly served, as he expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased young man.”
The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges citizens to remain law-abiding and to channel grievances through lawful and peaceful means.
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