14-Year-Old Boy Shot Dead in Osun Secretariat Attack as Hoodlums Open Fire in Ilobu Chaos
Fear gripped residents of Ilobu in Osun State on Sunday after armed men stormed the area near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat and opened fire, leaving a 14-year-old boy dead and another person injured.
The victim, identified as Ezekiel Olapade, was reportedly killed during a sudden shooting spree carried out by suspected hoodlums around the entrance of the council secretariat. The attack triggered panic as residents and traders scrambled for safety.
The violence unfolded in the afternoon opposite the secretariat, close to a palm wine joint owned by the boy’s mother. Eyewitnesses said the attackers, led by a notorious figure identified as Saheed, popularly called “Tanfeani,” had been seen gathering near the area before the incident escalated.
According to multiple accounts, the armed group attempted to move toward the secretariat before noticing a man wearing a cap in the colour of a political party seated at the drinking spot. That sighting allegedly triggered the gunfire.
Witnesses described a scene of confusion as bullets were fired indiscriminately, forcing people in the area to run in different directions to avoid being caught in the attack.
One eyewitness, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said the boy was not the intended target but became a victim of circumstance during the chaos.
“The boy who died was probably not the target,” the source said. “When they started shooting, everyone ran. Ezekiel was hit in the confusion and died on the spot. The man wearing the party-coloured cap was also shot but survived.”
The witness added that the deceased was the son of the woman who runs the drinking joint where the attack occurred.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a violent attack carried out by the suspected gang.
Police spokesperson SP Abiodun Ojelabi said the attackers were led by Saheed, alias “Tanfeani,” who allegedly arrived with other armed men and began shooting near the secretariat entrance.
“In the process, a bullet hit Ezekiel Olapade, aged 14, and he died on the spot,” Ojelabi said.
He added that another victim, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Security forces say the suspected gang leader and his accomplices are currently on the run, while efforts are underway to track and arrest them. Investigations into the attack have also commenced.
The killing has left residents shaken, raising fresh concerns over rising street violence and insecurity in parts of Osun State.Fear gripped residents of Ilobu in Osun State on Sunday after armed men stormed the area near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat and opened fire, leaving a 14-year-old boy dead and another person injured.
The victim, identified as Ezekiel Olapade, was reportedly killed during a sudden shooting spree carried out by suspected hoodlums around the entrance of the council secretariat. The attack triggered panic as residents and traders scrambled for safety.
The violence unfolded in the afternoon opposite the secretariat, close to a palm wine joint owned by the boy’s mother. Eyewitnesses said the attackers, led by a notorious figure identified as Saheed, popularly called “Tanfeani,” had been seen gathering near the area before the incident escalated.
According to multiple accounts, the armed group attempted to move toward the secretariat before noticing a man wearing a cap in the colour of a political party seated at the drinking spot. That sighting allegedly triggered the gunfire.
Witnesses described a scene of confusion as bullets were fired indiscriminately, forcing people in the area to run in different directions to avoid being caught in the attack.
One eyewitness, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said the boy was not the intended target but became a victim of circumstance during the chaos.
“The boy who died was probably not the target,” the source said. “When they started shooting, everyone ran. Ezekiel was hit in the confusion and died on the spot. The man wearing the party-coloured cap was also shot but survived.”
The witness added that the deceased was the son of the woman who runs the drinking joint where the attack occurred.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a violent attack carried out by the suspected gang.
Police spokesperson SP Abiodun Ojelabi said the attackers were led by Saheed, alias “Tanfeani,” who allegedly arrived with other armed men and began shooting near the secretariat entrance.
“In the process, a bullet hit Ezekiel Olapade, aged 14, and he died on the spot,” Ojelabi said.
He added that another victim, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Security forces say the suspected gang leader and his accomplices are currently on the run, while efforts are underway to track and arrest them. Investigations into the attack have also commenced.
The killing has left residents shaken, raising fresh concerns over rising street violence and insecurity in parts of Osun State.
