BREAKING: TEENAGER KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED AS GUNMEN ATTACK OSUN COMMUNITY

TEENAGER KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED AS GUNMEN ATTACK OSUN COMMUNITY

A tragic incident has rocked Ilobu community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State after a 14-year-old boy, identified as Ezekiel Olapade, was reportedly killed while another individual sustained gunshot injuries following an attack by suspected political hoodlums.

The incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Saturday near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat, where gunmen reportedly opened fire at a palm wine shop, causing panic among residents and bystanders.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that the attack was allegedly carried out by a suspect identified as Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani,” alongside other armed accomplices.

According to the police, the suspects arrived at the location and began shooting indiscriminately, during which the teenage victim, Ezekiel Olapade, was hit by a stray bullet and died at the scene.

Police authorities also confirmed that another victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

Ojelabi stated that the main suspect and other individuals involved in the attack have fled the scene, while security operatives have launched a manhunt to track down and arrest those responsible.

Meanwhile, the father of the deceased alleged that the attackers arrived in a vehicle reportedly branded with the name associated with one of the gubernatorial candidates in Osun State.

Recounting the incident, he explained that he was at his wife’s shop with their son and some customers when the vehicle approached the area.

According to him, the attackers initially attempted to gain access to the local government council premises but later noticed a man wearing a yellow cap standing near the shop and immediately directed gunfire toward the area.

He said the man in the yellow cap was hit by bullets and rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The grieving father added that panic broke out instantly, forcing everyone at the scene, including his wife and son, to flee for safety.

However, in the process of escaping, his wife reportedly fell, prompting his son to return in an attempt to help her. It was during that moment that the teenager was fatally struck by gunfire.

He explained that he initially believed his son had escaped like other residents and only discovered hours later, after a frantic search, that the boy had died and his body was found in nearby bushes.

The tragic incident has heightened concerns over political violence and insecurity in parts of Osun State, as residents continue to call on security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.