Pandemonium erupted near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu, Osun State, on Sunday when suspected hoodlums allegedly shot and killed a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade.
Another individual sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon, opposite the secretariat, by a palm wine joint reportedly owned by the deceased’s mother.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants—allegedly led by a notorious thug identified as Saheed, also known as Tanfeani had gathered near the secretariat and were attempting to gain entry. They reportedly spotted a man at the palm wine joint wearing a cap in the colours of a particular political party.
Sources say the armed men advanced towards the joint, firing shots indiscriminately and sending patrons scrambling for safety. One witness, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said Olapade was not the intended target.
We all ran in different directions. The boy who died was probably not the target. The attackers noticed someone at the joint wearing a political party cap and then started shooting in our direction. In the confusion, Ezekiel was struck by a bullet and died instantly. The man wearing the cap was also hit but survived, the witness recounted.
Confirming the incident, Osun State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that Saheed, alias Tanfeani, led the suspected attackers. The incident happened this afternoon near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu. One Saheed, also known as Tanfeani, came with other thugs and started shooting.
In the process, a bullet hit Ezekiel Olapade, aged 14, who died on the spot. Another person, whose identity is yet to be established, was also hit and is currently receiving hospital treatment. The suspects are still at large, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend them, Ojelabi said.
Police have launched an investigation into the attack.
— PUNCH Metro Report
