The Osun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected hoodlums following the death of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, who was struck by a stray bullet during a shooting incident in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Sunday near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat, where armed men reportedly opened fire, killing the teenager and injuring another person.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command had commenced an investigation and intensified efforts to apprehend the principal suspect, identified as Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani,” along with other individuals allegedly involved in the attack.
According to the police, the suspects arrived at the scene with a group of armed men and began shooting indiscriminately. During the attack, Olapade was hit by a bullet and died instantly.
The command also disclosed that another victim sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen had gathered around the local government secretariat and were allegedly attempting to gain access to the premises when they noticed a man wearing a cap bearing the colours of a political party at a nearby palm wine joint.
The palm wine spot, reportedly owned by the deceased's mother, was located opposite the secretariat and had several customers present when the attackers moved toward the area.
A resident who spoke anonymously said panic erupted as people fled for safety while the assailants fired repeatedly in their direction. The witness added that Olapade was not believed to have been the intended target but was fatally struck by a stray bullet amid the chaos.
The resident further claimed that the injured victim was the individual wearing the political party-coloured cap.
The police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down the suspects and bring them to justice, urging members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in the investigation.
The tragic incident has sparked renewed concerns over rising violence and insecurity in parts of Osun State, with residents calling for swift action to prevent further loss of lives.
