**14-Year-Old Boy Shot Dead in Osun Political Violence, Father Demands Justice**
A 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, has been allegedly shot dead by hoodlums during a violent attack near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu, Osun State, in an incident that has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over political violence in the state.
The victim’s father, Gbenga Olapade, narrated how the attack unfolded on Saturday evening, saying armed men stormed the area and began shooting sporadically at people gathered around a palm wine bar opposite the council secretariat.
According to him, the attackers arrived in a branded vehicle and were led by a man identified as Saheed Tanfeani. He alleged that security operatives stationed nearby witnessed the incident but did not intervene as the gunmen opened fire.
Gbenga Olapade said he had spoken with his son less than 30 minutes before the tragic incident, adding that the boy had just completed his Junior Secondary School examinations and was assisting his mother at her bar when the attack occurred.
He explained that panic broke out when the hoodlums opened fire, forcing customers and residents to flee for safety. In the chaos, his wife reportedly fell, prompting the teenager to rush back to assist her. It was at that moment, he said, that the boy was struck by a bullet.
The grieving father further alleged that the attackers were targeting a man wearing a yellow fez cap at the scene, and his son was caught in the crossfire. He also claimed he personally helped rescue an injured man to a nearby pharmacy before discovering that his own child had been killed.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that the attack occurred near the entrance of the local government secretariat and that one Saheed, also known as Tanfeani, led the armed group that carried out the shooting.
He added that Ezekiel was hit during the attack and died on the spot, while another person sustained injuries.
Gbenga Olapade, who has lost two children, called for justice and urged authorities to arrest those responsible. He alleged that police officers present during the incident failed to take immediate action to stop the attackers.
However, the suspected gang leader, Saheed Tanfeani, denied involvement in a video circulating on social media, claiming he was not in Ilobu at the time of the incident and accusing others of attempting to frame him.
Meanwhile, political reactions have trailed the killing, with calls for the redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police over alleged failure to curb rising political violence in the state.
The Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, described the killing as part of a disturbing pattern of politically motivated attacks and demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved.
He also urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate recurring incidents of violence across Osun State, insisting that security agencies must act decisively to restore public confidence.
The All Progressives Congress in Osun State condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation, while distancing its leadership and governorship candidate from any involvement in political violence.
The party also extended condolences to the bereaved family and urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.