Odunayo Alade, father of Kehinde Alade, the WASSCE candidate who was fatally struck by a stray bullet at Gbagi Market Road in Ibadan’s Egbeda Local Government Area on Tuesday, said he failed to stop for law enforcement officers because his son was running late for his exam.
“I was only trying to get my children to school,” he said. “That morning, I had just pumped my tyre at a nearby vulcaniser. As I was leaving, a car approached and tried to stop me. I didn’t know they were traffic officials.”
He said the vehicle, belonging to the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), hit his car in an attempt to stop him. Panicking and trying to avoid confrontation, he reversed and attempted to drive away.
“As soon as I saw them, I moved, but they tried to stop me and hit my car. I then reversed to bypass them, not knowing that four other vehicles were chasing me. As their towing vehicle hit my car, I maneuvered and escaped. Then, I heard a gunshot. My son was shouting ‘Daddy, daddy’ from the back seat.
“I asked him why he was shouting because we left them, and we were safe.” Unknown to me, the stray bullet had hit him.”
Alade said he did not stop until his son’s twin brother shouted that Kehinde had been shot.
He pulled over immediately after hearing his son had been shot. As I parked to bring the boy out, the policemen and traffic officials were still running after me. I held onto one of them. People gathered and rushed the boy to the hospital. From there, he was taken to University College Hospital, but sadly, he died shortly after we arrived,” Alade said.
Alade, who has raised his children alone since his wife left seven years ago, said he has always tried to give them the best life possible. “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 own needs.”
“I’ve 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.”
He said he was never a suspect and believes the officials misjudged him. “They saw I had children in the car. I wasn’t doing anything wrong beyond trying to get my kids to school. They misjudged me.”
Alade is demanding answers and accountability. “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.”
“Kehinde was a bright boy with dreams and aspirations. He loved school and was excited about his future. 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 no other family suffers this kind of loss.”
In response to the incident, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a full investigation. In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP condemned the shooting.
“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.”
