Pandemonium erupted in Ilobu, Osun State, on Sunday after a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, was allegedly shot dead when suspected hoodlums opened fire near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat.
Another victim sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
The tragic incident occurred opposite the council secretariat, close to a palm wine joint owned by the deceased’s mother.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers, reportedly led by a notorious thug identified as Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani,” had gathered near the local government secretariat and were attempting to gain access to the premises when they spotted a man wearing a cap in the colour associated with a political party at the palm wine joint.
The armed men allegedly advanced towards the location and began shooting indiscriminately, sending residents and customers fleeing for safety.
An eyewitness who spoke anonymously for security reasons said the teenage victim was not the intended target of the attack.
“We all ran in different directions. The boy who died was probably not the target. The hoodlums were heading towards the secretariat when they noticed someone wearing a cap in the colour of a political party at the palm wine joint opposite the council gate.
“As soon as we saw them approaching with guns, everyone started running. They opened fire in our direction. In the confusion, Ezekiel was struck by a bullet and died instantly. The other man who was shot survived and is receiving treatment. The deceased was the son of the woman who owns the drinking joint,” the witness said.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that the attack was allegedly carried out by Saheed, also known as Tanfeani, and his gang.
“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.
He added that another victim, whose identity has yet to be established, was also struck by a bullet and is receiving medical attention.
According to the police spokesperson, the prime suspect and his accomplices remain at large, while efforts are underway to track and apprehend them.
The police have since launched a full investigation into the deadly attack.
He also served as Deputy Editor at Sahara Reporters Sports and worked as Content Manager for the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), contributing significantly to sports journalism and digital content development in Nigeria.
Known for his strong storytelling ability and editorial expertise, Olayinka Olawole has covered a wide range of subjects, while also building a reputation in digital storytelling, audience engagement, and content optimisation for online and media platforms.
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