The father of 15-year-old Kehinde Alade—who tragically lost his life to a stray bullet allegedly fired during a police chase, Odunayo Alade, shared that he has singlehandedly raised his children since his wife left seven years ago.
“Their mother abandoned us seven years ago, and I made a promise to myself to give my children the best life possible,” he told reporters.
“I’ve worked tirelessly to provide for them, often sacrificing my own needs. I have turned down opportunities to remarry because I wanted to focus on raising my kids. I often wonder which woman would accept me and my situation without jeopardising their well-being.”
Kehinde, an SS1 student, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet near Gbagi Market during a pursuit involving police and traffic officers targeting a vehicle suspected of transporting internet fraudsters.
Recounting the harrowing incident, Alade explained he was driving his children to school as part of their usual morning routine. He said there were about five children in the car, heading to different destinations including the Olatundun and Olabidan areas.
He noted that he had stopped nearby to inflate a tire when another vehicle approached—one he didn’t realise was linked to the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority.
According to him, a scuffle began as officers attempted to stop his car. They struck his vehicle, prompting him to reverse to avoid them, unaware that other cars were involved in the pursuit. A towing vehicle then collided with his car, and in the chaos, he heard a gunshot.
It was Kehinde’s twin brother who alerted him to the injury.
“He said, ‘Daddy, stop, Taiwo has been shot.’ I pulled over and saw that the bullet had struck him. People helped rush him to UCH, but he died.”
Alade added that during the chase, an official opened the back door and saw the children inside.
“I didn’t know they were chasing Yahoo boys or not. I was just taking my children to school,” he said.
He revealed that Kehinde would have turned 14 in November, and that his older brother is currently sitting for WAEC.
Devastated by the loss, Alade demanded justice, emphasizing that no parent should endure the pain of losing a child in such a needless and tragic manner.
He described Kehinde as a bright and motivated student with high hopes for the future. Lamenting the loss of his son’s potential, he blamed the tragedy on the reckless conduct of those tasked with public safety. He called for transparency and accountability in the investigation, seeking answers and justice.
In response, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. The officer suspected of firing the fatal shot is currently in custody.
Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated: “The IGP condemned the incident and assured that the officer involved in the shooting has been taken into custody while a full-scale investigation is underway. He equally reiterated that the process will be transparent, and its findings made public to ensure justice is duly served.”
The police also extended their condolences to the grieving family and urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding.