Hobnob News – A 15-year-old WAEC candidate, Taiwo Alade, tragically lost his life on his way to an examination centre in Ibadan after being hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer involved in a high-speed chase.
The heartbreaking incident occurred in the Gbagi area of Egbeda Local Government, Oyo State, as Taiwo’s father was driving him and his twin brother to their West African Examination Council (WAEC) centre. Eyewitnesses said the bullet pierced the back seat where the twins were seated, fatally hitting Taiwo in the lower body.
After the shooting, Taiwo was rushed to Welfare Hospital in Alakia and then transferred to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
His distraught father recounted the horror: “We left home together with hope. Now I’m carrying his lifeless body around, searching for justice. They said the officer was chasing a suspect—but must that cost my son’s life?”
Taiwo’s twin brother, who witnessed the incident firsthand, added, “We heard gunshots behind us. The next thing I saw was blood pouring from my brother. I thought he would make it… but he didn’t.”
In protest, grieving residents carried Taiwo’s body to the Oyo State Government Secretariat, demanding accountability. The Governor’s Executive Assistant on Security Matters, former Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, addressed the demonstrators and assured them of a thorough investigation.
The Oyo State House of Assembly also condemned the incident. During plenary, Deputy Leader Olasunkanmi Babalola described the killing as “painful and unwarranted,” stressing that live rounds were fired during a pursuit, leading to Taiwo’s untimely death.
The Assembly resolved to:
Call on the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to identify and prosecute the officer responsible.
Provide psychological support and financial compensation to Taiwo’s family.
Launch a state-wide campaign on police conduct and citizens’ rights.
Form an eight-member committee led by the Deputy Speaker to meet with the Commissioner of Police.
Urge the Inspector General of Police to ban reckless firearm discharge and strengthen police training in public engagement.
Police Reaction: Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso explained that officers were on joint traffic enforcement duty with Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) when they spotted a vehicle driving against traffic. He alleged the driver—Taiwo’s father—refused to stop, rammed multiple enforcement vehicles, and drove dangerously through barricades.
“In an attempt to stop the vehicle, a police corporal fired at the tyres,” Osifeso stated. “Unfortunately, the bullet missed and hit Kehinde Taiwo Alade, seated in the rear seat. He was confirmed dead at UCH.”
The police confirmed the body has been deposited at the Adeoyo Hospital mortuary for autopsy. In response to rising tensions, Commissioner of Police Johnson Adenola deployed tactical units across Ibadan to ensure public order.
Investigations are ongoing.
