A 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, was killed and another person injured in a violent shooting incident near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu, Osun State, on Sunday afternoon, prompting a manhunt by the Osun State Police Command. The police confirmed that the boy died instantly after being struck by a stray bullet during the attack, which was carried out by armed men believed to be hoodlums. The incident occurred near the entrance of the council secretariat, where the suspects opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic among bystanders.
According to SP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Command’s spokesperson, the prime suspect is a man named Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani,” who arrived with other armed individuals and began shooting. “The incident happened this afternoon near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu. One Saheed, also known as Tanfeani, came with other thugs and started shooting. In the process, a bullet hit Ezekiel Olapade, aged 14, and he died on the spot,” Ojelabi stated. The police are intensifying investigations and have vowed to apprehend all those involved in the attack.
Another victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital. Eyewitnesses revealed that the gunmen had gathered near the local government secretariat and were attempting to enter the premises when they spotted a man wearing a cap with the colours of a political party at a nearby palm wine joint. The relaxation spot, located opposite the council secretariat, is reportedly owned by Ezekiel’s mother and was crowded with patrons at the time of the shooting.
A resident who spoke anonymously due to security concerns described the chaos that unfolded. “We were all relaxing there when the incident happened. As soon as we saw the armed men advancing towards us, everybody started running.” The witness added that the boy was likely not the intended target, as the attackers fired randomly into the crowd. “The boy who died was probably not the target of those hoodlums. They were shooting in our direction and, in the confusion, Ezekiel was hit by a bullet and died on the spot,” the witness said. The injured person, according to the eyewitness, was the man wearing the political party-coloured cap.
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed that the suspected attackers are still at large but assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to bring them to justice. The incident has raised alarm over rising insecurity in the area and the need for stronger security measures to protect civilians, especially children. As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the apprehension of the suspects. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts to combat violent crime in Osun State.
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