By Peter Omopo
Odunayo Alade, father of 14-year-old Kehinde Paul, a secondary school student who was killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer in Oyo State, has demanded justice for his son’s death.
Kehinde, a Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1) student, was reportedly shot while being driven to school by his father along the Gbagi Market road in Egbeda Local Government Area on Tuesday. The incident occurred during a reported altercation between the vehicle and officials of the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA) and police officers.
In an interview with News Central TV, Mr. Alade described the tragic moment his son was shot, stating that they were taking a popular shortcut used by residents to reach the main road. He explained that OYRTMA officials blocked his path and attempted to stop his car.
“They blocked me, even jammed my vehicle. I didn’t know they were up to four or five, so I maneuvered to pass through. I didn’t want to delay my older son, who was writing his WASSCE that morning,” he recounted.
Moments later, he heard gunshots, followed by Kehinde’s cries for help.
“I was telling him not to worry, that we were safe. I didn’t know he had been hit. It was his twin brother who shouted, ‘Daddy, Paul has been shot!’”
Alade said he quickly stopped the car and discovered that Kehinde had been struck by a bullet, with blood soaking his school uniform. Though he rushed him to a nearby hospital where oxygen was administered and then to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the boy was pronounced dead on arrival.
The grieving father described Kehinde as a bright student with aspirations of becoming a lawyer.
“He just told me last week that he wanted to be a lawyer. I had even bought science textbooks for both of them before he switched to Arts,” Alade said tearfully.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the public and rights groups. As of the time of this report, the Oyo State Police Command has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the shooting.
