14-Year-Old WASSCE Student K!lled By Stray Police Bullet During Traffic Stop

 

A tragic case of enforcement gone wrong has left a family shattered in Oyo State, as 14-year-old Kehinde Alade was fatally struck by a stray police bullet during a traffic stop operation on Monday, May 20.

According to a statement from the Oyo State Police Command, the incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. near the Airport Roundabout along Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road in Egbeda Local Government Area. A joint task force made up of officers from the Oyo State Police Command and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) had set out for routine traffic enforcement when the unthinkable happened.

Trouble began when the enforcement team tried to stop a black Honda Accord, reportedly driving against traffic, driven by Odunayo Alade, who is the father of the deceased. Rather than comply, the police allege that the driver sped off, crashing into official vehicles in a desperate attempt to evade arrest.

In a chaotic turn of events, barricades set up to stop the vehicle were ignored. Officers say the erratic driving raised suspicions of a possible abduction, prompting a pursuit. During the chase, a police corporal fired shots intended to immobilize the vehicle by hitting its tyres.

But the bullet missed.

Instead, it struck young Kehinde Alade, who was seated directly behind his father in the back seat. He was rushed to University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, but sadly, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The spokesperson for the command, CSP Osifeso Adewale, confirmed the incident in a press release, expressing the command’s deepest condolences to the bereaved family. He added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation led by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The officer who fired the shot is currently in custody and cooperating with investigators.

“This tragedy is deeply regrettable. We are committed to a transparent investigation and ensuring justice is served,” the statement read.

The command also assured the public of accountability and promised to make the investigation’s findings public as soon as it concludes.

This deeply saddening event has once again brought to light the urgent need for better policing protocols, particularly in high-tension situations involving civilians. As the community mourns Kehinde, many are calling for stricter controls on the use of firearms by officers during routine enforcement.