The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the killing of a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade, in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday.
Also, the Egbeda Traditional Council in Ibadan, Oyo State, which described the incident as a tragic loss, has demanded justice for the bereaved family.
Alade was on his way to an examination centre to sit the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination, organised by the West African Examinations Council, when he was hit by a stray bullet shot by a policeman on a joint patrol.
The Oyo State government, on Tuesday, said the student’s father was driving against traffic when the incident happened.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Wednesday, said the IG condemned the shooting and confirmed that the officer involved had been taken into custody.
He said, “The Inspector-General of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into a tragic incident in Oyo State, involving personnel of the Oyo State Police Command and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority, which led to the unfortunate demise of a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade.
”The Inspector-General of Police 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 will be made public to ensure justice duly served, as he expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased young man.”
In a statement released by the acting chairman and representative of the Olubadan in the Egbeda Traditional Council, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, in Ibadan, the council said, “We received with deep shock and sorrow the devastating news of the killing of a SSS 3 student by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a wild chase of a traffic offender within our community.
“As a council, we condemn in strong terms the reckless use of firearms in civilian areas, particularly in school zones and residential communities.
“The life of every citizen, especially our children, must be treated as sacred. It is unacceptable that a child, filled with dreams and potential, would be cut down in such a senseless and avoidable manner,” it said.
Alli called on the police and all relevant authorities to launch a transparent investigation into the incident and provide justice for the victim.
While demanding appropriate compensation and support for the bereaved family, the Ekarun Balogun sympathised, on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin and the Council, with the grieving family and the school community.
In another development, the IG has condemned the attack on police operatives in Edo State.
In the statement by Adejobi, he described the attack as an unprovoked and unlawful act of aggression against members of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team.
Egbetokun noted that the operatives, who were transiting through Edo State from Lagos in the early hours of Monday, May 20, 2025, encountered a violent mob near the University of Benin axis in Okhuimwun Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
He said the mob reportedly blocked the road and attacked the officers with stones, sticks, and other dangerous weapons, seriously injuring two personnel.
“It is noteworthy that, despite the provocation and threat to life, the officers exercised commendable restraint by not resorting to the use of force.
“The injured officers are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition,” he said.A