The Osun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected hoodlums after a shooting incident near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu left a 14-year-old boy dead and another person injured.
The deceased, identified as Ezekiel Olapade, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet when armed men opened fire in the area on Sunday afternoon, according to police authorities.
Confirming the incident, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said security operatives had commenced investigations and were actively pursuing the suspects, including a man identified as Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani.”
“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, and he died on the spot,” Ojelabi said.
Police also confirmed that another victim sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital, though his identity has not yet been confirmed.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers gathered near the council secretariat before chaos erupted. Some reports indicate they may have been attempting to access the premises when they spotted individuals at a nearby relaxation spot opposite the secretariat.
The location, reportedly a palm wine joint owned by the deceased boy’s mother, was busy at the time of the attack.
A resident, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, described how panic spread as gunfire erupted.
“We were all relaxing there when the incident happened. As soon as we saw the armed men advancing towards us, everybody started running,” the witness said.
The witness added that the gunmen appeared to open fire indiscriminately, and in the confusion, the 14-year-old boy was struck and died instantly. The injured victim was said to be the person wearing a political party-coloured cap.
Police authorities confirmed that the suspected attackers are still at large but assured residents that a coordinated effort is underway to track them down and bring them to justice.
The incident has heightened tension in the Ilobu area, with residents calling for increased security presence around public institutions and gathering points.
