Governor Adeleke, APC Exchange Accusations, Demand Justice for 14-Year-Old Boy Shot Dead in Ilobu
The tragic death of a 14-year-old boy in Osun State has sent shockwaves through the region, igniting a fierce political blame game and raising serious questions about security just weeks before the state's governorship election.
Ezekiel Olapade was killed on Sunday afternoon near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu. The teenage boy's death has drawn condemnation from both the ruling party and the opposition, with each demanding swift justice while levelling accusations of complicity and political violence .
What Happened in Ilobu?
The incident occurred at a palm wine joint opposite the secretariat, owned by the deceased's mother. Eyewitnesses stated that armed men, reportedly led by a suspected thug known as Saheed "Tanfeani," opened fire on the spot .
According to police reports, the assailants had gathered near the local government secretariat and allegedly attempted to gain entry. They reportedly spotted a man wearing a cap bearing the colours of a political party at the relaxation spot.
Tragically, in the ensuing pandemonium, young Ezekiel was struck by a stray bullet and died instantly. Another individual, believed to be the man in the political cap, sustained injuries and is receiving hospital treatment .
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson SP Abiodun Ojelabi identifying the prime suspect. "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 stated .
Political Reactions and Accusations
Governor Adeleke's Campaign Condemns Killing
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) addressed a world press conference in Osogbo on Monday, demanding a thorough investigation and expressing a lack of confidence in the State Police Command's leadership .
TICC Director-General, Senator Kamarudeen Olalere Oyewumi, described the teenager’s death as evidence of "a dangerous descent into political assassinations." He alleged that the boy was shot while trying to rescue his mother, who had fallen during the attack .
The campaign council called on the Inspector-General of Police to order the arrest and prosecution of all persons connected to the incident, irrespective of political affiliation .
Governor Adeleke's Strong Accusation
Governor Ademola Adeleke issued a statement lamenting the killing, describing it as "another bitter example of complicity of the state police command in the orchestrated political violence" .
The Governor directly accused the police of protecting APC council officials and alleged that the killing was "openly perpetrated by a known political thug of the Osun APC" in a branded Siena bus. He questioned the police's failure to prevent the killing and tasked them with arresting the identified suspect .
APC Calls for Justice and Peace
The Osun State APC also condemned the killing as "wicked, inconsiderate, and barbaric." Party spokesperson Kola Olabisi urged the police to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable .
The opposition party warned individuals using political platforms to perpetrate violence to desist, insisting that violence was not part of their party's ideology. The APC also urged Governor Adeleke to fulfil his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property .
Broader Context: Political Tensions Ahead of August 15 Election
The killing in Ilobu occurs amid heightened tensions ahead of the August 15 governorship election . The incident has been characterised by some stakeholders as one of many politically motivated violent acts .
· Federal Lawmaker's Plea: Hon. Bamidele Salam, representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene directly. Salam appealed to the President to direct the Osun State Commissioner of Police to arrest the killers, stating that "it is only your voice that the Osun state Commissioner of Police will listen to" .
· Police Response: The Osun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the suspects, who remain at large. Police confirmed that investigations into the attack have commenced .
A Community in Mourning
Ezekiel Olapade's father narrated the harrowing moment his son was killed, recounting how his wife fell while running for safety and their son returned to rescue her. "It was in that process that he was shot," the grieving father said .
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