Odunayo Alade, the father of 15-year-old Kehinde Alade, who was shot dead by a police officer during a high-speed chase in Ibadan, has recounted the incident, which occurred as he drove his children home from school.
Still grieving and devastated by the loss of his son, he narrated the tragedy, to newsmen who visited him, Alade said: “I take them to school every day and then, in the afternoon, if I am chanced, I pick them back home. There were about five children in the car. While some were going to the Olatundun area, others were going to Olabidan.
“When I came out of the house, I needed to pump the tyre at a junction close by. As the vulcaniser finished, I entered the car to move and, as I moved, I saw a car moving towards me. I did not know it belonged to the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority.
“As soon as I saw them, I moved, but they tried stopping me and, in the process, they hit my car. I, thereafter, put the car in reverse to bypass them, but I did not know four vehicles were chasing me.
“As their towing vehicle hit my car, I manoeuvred and escaped; but the next thing I heard was a gunshot.
My son was shouting ‘Daddy, daddy’ in the back seat, but I tried to caution him to keep quiet, as we had left the scene. Unknown to me, the stray bullet hit the boy. It was his twin brother who said: ‘Daddy, stop, Taiwo has been shot.’
“As I parked to bring the boy out, the policemen and officials of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority were running after me.
“In the process, I held onto one of them. People gathered and rushed the boy to the hospital, and, from there, he was taken to UCH. Unfortunately, when we got there, he gave up the ghost.”
Alade clarified that he was not a suspect, stating: “No.” He further explained, “One of the officials opened the back door and saw that they were kids in the vehicle.
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“I didn’t know they were chasing after Yahoo boys or not. I was just taking my children to school. It was his elder brother that was writing his WAEC, the one that was shot was in SS1 and would have been 14 by November 26.”
He also disclosed he had been raising his children alone since separating from their mother seven years ago.
“Their mother abandoned us seven years ago, and I made a promise to myself to give my children the best life possible. I’ve worked tirelessly to provide for them, often sacrificing my needs.
“I have turned down opportunities to remarry because I wanted to focus on raising my kids. I often wonder which woman would accept me and my situation without jeopardising their well-being.”
Calling for accountability, he added: “This cannot go unpunished. I want those responsible to be held accountable. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child in such a senseless manner.
“Kehinde was a bright boy with dreams and aspirations. He loved school and was excited about his future, and now all of that has been stolen from us.
“I need to understand why this happened. My son had so much potential, and it feels incredibly unfair that his life was cut short due to a reckless decision by those who are supposed to protect us. I demand answers, and I want to ensure that no other family has to suffer this unbearable loss.”
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the killing. The officer responsible for the shooting has been arrested.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement: “The IGP condemned the incident and assured that the officer involved in the shooting has been taken into custody while a full-scale investigation is underway.
He equally reiterated that the process will be transparent, and its findings made public to ensure justice is duly served, as he expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased young man.”
The police force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and express grievances through legal means.