A 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, has been shot dead in a suspected political attack in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State.

 

The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Saturday afternoon near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat when armed men allegedly stormed a palm wine shop owned by the victim's mother and opened fire indiscriminately.

 

According to reports, the attackers were led by a man identified as Saheed, popularly known as "Tanfeani." Eyewitness accounts indicated that the gunmen arrived at the scene and began shooting, causing panic among residents and customers in the area.

 

Speaking on the incident, the victim's father alleged that the assailants arrived in a vehicle branded with the insignia of one of the governorship candidates in the state. He said he was at his wife's shop alongside his son and other customers when the attack occurred.

 

The grieving father recounted that everyone at the scene ran for safety after the gunmen opened fire. However, his wife reportedly fell while trying to escape, prompting Ezekiel to return to assist her. It was during the rescue attempt that the teenager was struck by a bullet.

 

He said he initially believed his son had escaped like others at the scene, only to discover hours later that the boy had been killed. According to him, the teenager's body was later found in a nearby bush.

 

The father further alleged that one of the attackers was Saheed, alias Tanfeani, and claimed that the armed men were about six in number.

 

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the attack occurred adjacent to the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat.

 

Ojelabi disclosed that a suspect identified as Saheed, popularly known as Tanfeani, allegedly arrived with other armed men and opened fire, during which Ezekiel Olapade was fatally hit by a bullet and died on the spot.

 

The police spokesperson also confirmed that another victim sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital. He added that efforts were ongoing to establish the identity of the injured person.

 

According to the police, the suspected perpetrators remain at large, while a manhunt has been launched to track down and arrest all those involved in the attack.

 

The incident has sparked renewed concerns over political violence and insecurity in parts of Osun State, with residents calling on security agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice