The Osun State Police Command has begun a manhunt for suspected hoodlums following the death of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, who was hit by a stray bullet during a shooting incident in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat, where armed men reportedly opened fire, leaving the teenager dead and another person injured.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command had commenced an investigation and intensified efforts to arrest the principal suspect, identified as Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani,” and other individuals allegedly involved in the attack.
According to the police, the suspects arrived at the scene with a group of armed men and began shooting indiscriminately. During the attack, Olapade was struck by a bullet and died instantly.
The command also disclosed that another victim sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment, although the person’s identity had yet to be confirmed.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen had gathered around the local government secretariat and were allegedly attempting to gain access to the premises when they noticed a man wearing a cap bearing the colours of a political party at a nearby palm wine spot.
The palm wine joint, said to belong to the deceased’s mother, was located opposite the secretariat and had several customers present when the assailants moved toward the area.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said people at the scene fled for safety as the attackers fired repeatedly in their direction.
The witness explained that Olapade was not believed to have been the intended target, adding that the teenager was hit by a bullet amid the confusion created by the gunfire.
The resident further claimed that the injured victim was the individual wearing the political party-coloured cap.
The police said the suspects remain at large but assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible and ensure they face justice.
(Daily Post)
