There was widespread outrage in the Alakia–Gbagi area of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday after a 14-year-old pupil, Kehinde Alade, was killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a joint traffic enforcement operation.

The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. near the Airport Roundabout along Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road in Egbeda Local Government Area. Enraged residents staged a protest, marching to the Oyo State Secretariat with the boy’s body to demand justice.

According to eyewitnesses, the boy’s father, identified as Odunayo Alade, was allegedly driving a black Honda Accord (registration number FST 639 JJ) against traffic. Upon spotting officials from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and accompanying police personnel, he reportedly attempted to flee.

“In the process of escaping, one of the officers shot at a tyre to stop the vehicle, but the bullet struck the child instead,” a witness told Channels TV. “It happened so quickly near the Gbagi Market Road.”

In a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Oyo State Government described the incident as “sad, shocking and painful.” The government offered its condolences to the bereaved family and confirmed that the officer responsible was already under investigation.

“The incident was entirely avoidable,” the statement read. “It arose from a traffic violation by the deceased’s father, who was driving against traffic. During efforts to apprehend him, a policeman—now under investigation—fired a shot intended for the vehicle’s tyres. Tragically, it struck the student, who sustained fatal injuries.”

The government also refuted claims that the police were pursuing an internet fraud suspect, clarifying that the operation targeted drivers violating one-way traffic laws—a recurring issue with a history of fatal consequences.

It noted that police support had become necessary after repeated assaults on OYRTMA officials and the recent killing of one of their personnel by a traffic offender in Ibadan.

In a separate statement, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident. Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, said the officer who fired the fatal shot was in custody.

“Due to the driver’s suspicious behaviour, officers suspected possible criminal activity or an abduction case,” Osifeso said. “During the ensuing chase, a police corporal discharged his weapon, aiming at the tyres. Unfortunately, the bullet hit the rear seat passenger, Kehinde Alade.”

He added that the driver allegedly rammed into two OYRTMA vehicles and a police patrol truck while attempting to evade arrest, prompting officers to erect roadblocks, which he subsequently broke through.

The boy was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His remains have been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

To prevent further unrest, Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola Hamzat, deployed tactical and intelligence teams, including the Police Mobile Force, across strategic areas in Ibadan. Calm has since been restored.

Hamzat has ordered a comprehensive investigation to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department. “The Command remains committed to justice and accountability,” the statement added.

Human rights advocates and residents have since called for justice, describing the incident as both avoidable and heartbreaking.