Osun Police Launch Manhunt After Stray Bullet Kills Teenager

Osun State Police Command has begun a manhunt for suspected hoodlums after a 14‑year‑old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, was killed and another person was injured during a shooting near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu.

Police say Olapade was struck by a stray bullet when armed men opened fire close to the council secretariat on Sunday afternoon.

SP Abiodun Ojelabi, a spokesperson for the Command, stated that officers were investigating and intensifying efforts to apprehend the prime suspect, Saheed, who is popularly known as “Tanfeani,” along with other individuals believed to have taken part in the attack.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

Police added that another victim, whose identity has not yet been released, sustained gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen had gathered near the local government secretariat and were allegedly trying to enter the premises when they spotted a man wearing a cap with the colours of a political party at a nearby palm‑wine joint.

The relaxation spot, located opposite the council secretariat, was reportedly owned by the deceased’s mother and had several patrons present when the attackers moved toward the area.

A resident, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, said the assailants fired indiscriminately, causing people at the scene to flee in different directions.

“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 boy who died was probably not the target of those hoodlums. They were shooting in our direction and, in the confusion, Ezekiel was hit by a bullet and died on the spot,” the witness added.

The witness also said that the injured victim was the individual wearing the political‑party‑coloured cap.

The police confirmed that the suspected attackers remain at large and assured residents that efforts to bring those responsible to justice are ongoing.