The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the tragic killing of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade, a candidate in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), who was struck by a stray bullet in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to police authorities, Alade was en route to his examination centre when he was fatally hit. The Oyo State Government stated on Tuesday that the victim’s father had reportedly been driving against traffic at the time of the incident.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that the officer responsible for the shooting has been arrested and taken into custody. The IGP condemned the incident and pledged a transparent investigation, assuring the public that the outcome would be made known and justice served.
“The Inspector-General of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident involving personnel of the Oyo State Police Command and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority, which led to the death of Kehinde Alade. The officer involved has been apprehended, and a thorough probe is ongoing,” Adejobi stated.
Egbetokun extended his condolences to the bereaved family, reaffirming the police force’s commitment to accountability and the protection of Nigerian lives, particularly children.
Meanwhile, the IG also addressed a separate incident involving an attack on police operatives in Edo State. On Monday, May 20, members of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team – were ambushed by a violent mob near the University of Benin area in Okhuimwun Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
The officers, who were travelling from Lagos, were reportedly assaulted with stones, sticks, and other weapons, resulting in serious injuries to two operatives. Adejobi noted that despite the assault, the officers refrained from using force, demonstrating restraint under pressure.
“The injured personnel are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition. The police warn against such acts of lawlessness and will pursue legal action against those responsible for the attack,” he said.
The police have assured Nigerians that investigations into both incidents will be pursued with transparency and urgency.
