Odunayo Alade, father of 15-year-old Kehinde Alade who was shot by the police in Ibadan, Oyo State, on his way to write WAEC exam, has told his side of the story after the police revealed that the stray bullet hit the teenager because the father defaulted traffic rules.

When newsmen visited his house, the grieving father disclosed what really happened on the day and why he drove against traffic rules.

The 15-year old secondary school boy was killed while his father was driving him to school in the company of his siblings.

Initially, report said the policeman who is now in custody, was chasing after yahoo boys when he shot the gun and it hit the boy.

However, after IGP Egbetokun ordered thorough investigation, the police revealed that the slain boy’s father was driving against traffic when the police man wanted to shoot at his tyre before the bullet hit his son who was confirmed dead at the hospital.

In his statement on what happened, Alade said;

“I take them to school every day and then, in the afternoon, if I am chanced, I pick them back home. There were about five children in the car. While some were going to the Olatundun area, others were going to Olabidan. When I came out of the house, I needed to pump the tyre at a junction close by. As the vulcaniser finished, I entered the car to move and, as I moved, I saw a car moving towards me. I did not know it belonged to the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority.

“As soon as I saw them, I moved, but they tried stopping me and, in the process, they hit my car. I, thereafter, put the car in reverse to bypass them, but I did not know four vehicles were chasing me.

“As their towing vehicle hit my car, I manoeuvred and escaped; but the next thing I heard was a gunshot. My son was shouting ‘Daddy, daddy’ in the back seat, but I tried to caution him to keep quiet, as we had left the scene. Unknown to me, the stray bullet hit the boy. It was his twin brother who said: ‘Daddy, stop, Taiwo has been shot’

“As I parked to bring the boy out, the policemen and officials of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority were running after me.

“In the process, I held onto one of them. People gathered and rushed the boy to the hospital, and, from there, he was taken to UCH. Unfortunately, when we got there, he gave up the ghost.”

Furthermore, Alade explained that he has been taking care of his kids after he separated from his wife about 7 years now.

“Their mother abandoned us seven years ago, and I made a promise to myself to give my children the best life possible. I’ve worked tirelessly to provide for them, often sacrificing my 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.

He clarified also, that he wasn’t a suspect and had no idea if the police were chasing after yahoo boys or not as he stated that his dead son wasn’t going to write WAEC.

“I didn’t know they were chasing after Yahoo boys or not. I was just taking my children to school.

“It was his elder brother that was writing his WAEC, the one that was shot was in SS1 and would have been 14 by November 26,” he explained.

He further pleaded for justice to be served stating;

“This cannot go unpunished. I want those responsible to be held accountable. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child in such a senseless manner.

“Kehinde was a bright boy with dreams and aspirations. He loved school and was excited about his future, and now all of that has been stolen from us.

“I need to understand why this happened. My son had so much potential, and it feels incredibly unfair that his life was cut short due to a reckless decision by those who are supposed to protect us. I demand answers, and I want to ensure that no other family has to suffer this unbearable loss,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, the police Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, revealed that the IGP condemns the incident and the police man who fired the gun was already in custody as the police remains committed to protecting lives and properties; according to him.

Read Also: Father of Slain Boy Drove Against Traffic – Oyo Govt Breaks Silence