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Odunayo Alade, father of a teenage boy killed by a bullet fired by a police officer during a chaotic traffic pursuit in Ibadan, has spoken out in grief and disbelief, insisting he was only trying to take his children to school.
The teenager, Kehinde Alade — a secondary school student — was fatally shot on Gbagi Market Road during a chase involving police officers and officials of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA).
Narrating the tragic event to News Central at his residence, Mr. Alade explained why he was driving against traffic at the time, insisting his only intention was to get his children to school on time.
“I take them to school every day and sometimes pick them up in the afternoon,” he said.
“That morning, after pumping my tyre at a junction, I noticed a vehicle coming towards me. I didn’t know it belonged to OYRTMA.
They tried to stop me and hit my car. I reversed to avoid them, unaware that four other vehicles were involved.”
As the chase escalated, Alade said he suddenly heard a gunshot.
“My son was shouting ‘Daddy, daddy’ from the back seat. I told him to keep quiet, thinking we had escaped. But it was his twin brother who screamed, ‘Daddy, stop! Kehinde has been shot.’”
According to him, there were five children in the car at the time.
One of the officers allegedly opened the back door and saw the children, but that did not stop the violence.
Kehinde was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Kehinde’s elder brother is reportedly taking his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), while the deceased, who was in SS1, would have turned 14 on November 26.
He also disclosed that he and his wife had been separated for the past seven years.
He said, “Their mother left us seven years ago, and from that moment, I vowed to give my children the best life I could. I’ve worked endlessly to provide for them, often putting my own needs aside.
“I’ve turned down several chances to remarry because my priority has always been raising my children. Sometimes I wonder what kind of woman would accept me and my situation without compromising my children’s well-being.”
With tears running down his cheeks, Alade made an emotional appeal for justice for his son.
He said, “This must not go unpunished. I want those responsible to face justice. No parent should experience the agony of losing a child so needlessly.
“Kehinde was a brilliant child with big dreams.
He loved going to school and looked forward to the future — all of which has now been taken from us.
“I need to understand why this happened. My son had so much promise, and it feels cruel and unjust that his life was cut short because of the careless actions of those meant to protect us. I want answers, and I want to ensure no other family goes through this kind of heartbreaking loss.”