The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade, who was killed by a stray bullet in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Alade was on his way to take the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) when the incident occurred.
The Oyo State Government stated on Tuesday that the boy’s father had been driving against traffic at the time.
In a statement on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the police officer involved has been taken into custody.
He added that the Inspector-General condemned the shooting and assured the public of a transparent investigation.
“The IGP has directed a comprehensive probe into the incident involving personnel from the Oyo State Police Command and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority, which led to the tragic death of Kehinde Alade,” Adejobi said.
He also conveyed the police chief’s condolences to the family and promised that justice would be served.
Separately, the IGP condemned an attack on police officers in Edo State.
According to Adejobi, operatives from the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team were ambushed by a violent mob near the University of Benin area in Okhuimwun Community while traveling from Lagos in the early hours of May 20.
The mob allegedly blocked the road and assaulted the officers with stones, sticks, and other weapons, seriously injuring two of them.
Despite the attack, the officers did not retaliate with force and are currently receiving medical care.
The police have warned against similar acts of aggression and confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with legal action promised against the perpetrators.