From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Odunayo Alade, father of the 14-year-old Kehinde, killed by a stray bullet fired by a policeman has spoken on the circumstances surrounding the sad incident .
Speaking in Yoruba in a viral video on social media, he admitted that he drove against traffic in a bid to reach his destination quickly when the officials of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) attempted to stop him.
A man accompanying Alade, believed to be a relative, further explained that in an effort to evade the traffic officials, Alade did not know that the traffic control officials were accompanied by armed policemen:“ Immediately he beat the traffic,there was a gunshot out of nowhere and suddenly, Kehinde started gasping for air. At that instance, we realized that the bullet had hit the boy.”
According to a statement released by the Oyo State Police Command, the police officer responsible for the shooting has been arrested in company with other members of his team.
“ The command has expressed deep regret over the incident, emphasizing that a thorough investigation has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, and would be led by the Deputy Commissioner of police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).”
Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) CSP Adewale Osifeso, revealed that the officers were working in conjunction with OYTMA, when they attempted to stop a black Honda Accord car , with registration number: FST 639 JJ, being driven by Alade.
“Rather than comply with traffic rules, the driver allegedly accelerated toward the enforcement team, ramming into two OYTMA vehicles and a police patrol truck.
“Barricades were subsequently set up to halt the vehicle, but Alade reportedly broke through them, prompting a police chase. During the pursuit, an officer fired at the vehicle, to immobilize it, but the bullet tragically struck Kehinde, who was seated behind his father.
“ The boy was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His body has since been deposited at Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy.”