The father of the 14-year-old student who was fatally shot by a policeman in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday has recounted the devastating moment that claimed his son’s life.

The tragic incident occurred during a joint traffic enforcement operation involving the police and the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority (OYRTMA) near the Alakia area of Ibadan. According to the Oyo State Police Command, officers were pursuing a vehicle that had reportedly violated traffic laws by driving against traffic.

Speaking to , the victim’s father, Odunayo Alade, said he was taking his deceased son and his brother to school when someone hit his car from behind.

“I was driving the children to school when they hit my car from behind,” he said. “While in a state of confusion, I was reversing the vehicle when a police officer suddenly fired at my vehicle. Before I knew it, the bullet hit Taiwo. I didn’t realise it at first until his brothers alerted me that blood was gushing from his body.”

Alade described how he rushed his son to a nearby hospital, but the bullet had already pierced through his stomach, causing critical injuries. Tragically, the boy was pronounced dead on arrival at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

The grieving father, who said he has been raising Taiwo and his siblings alone since their mother left, broke down in tears as he lamented his loss.

Following the shooting, the policeman involved reportedly fled into the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport for safety, triggering protests at the airport gate as residents demanded justice.

In an official statement, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a “tragic error” during a high-stakes operation. The command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, explained that officers suspected criminal activity or abduction when the driver, Mr. Alade, allegedly attempted to evade a traffic stop.

“In an effort to immobilise the fleeing vehicle, a police corporal discharged a firearm aimed at the tyres. Unfortunately, the bullet struck the young boy seated in the rear of the car,” Osifeso said.

The officer responsible for firing the fatal shot has been taken into custody, and an investigation has been launched under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

“The Oyo State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the family of Kehinde Alade. The Command remains resolute in its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring accountability. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” Osifeso said.

The Oyo State Government has also commiserated with the family of the student, describing his death as sad, shocking and painful.

A statement issued by Suleimon Olanrewaju, special adviser on media to Governor Seyi Makinde, said the government will work with the state police command to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.