A 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, was shot dead and another person sustained gunshot wounds near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu, Osun State, on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The attack, which occurred at a palm wine joint owned by the deceased’s mother, has been linked to political thuggery.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaotic Scene
According to eyewitnesses who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, the assailants were allegedly led by a notorious thug identified as Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani.” The gunmen were reportedly attempting to enter the council secretariat when they spotted a man wearing a cap in the colour of a particular political party at the palm wine joint. They then advanced towards the spot, firing shots indiscriminately, causing patrons to flee for safety.
“We were all relaxing there when the incident happened. As soon as we saw the armed men advancing towards us, everybody started running. They were shooting in our direction. In the confusion, Ezekiel was hit by a bullet and died on the spot. The other man who was shot survived. He was the one wearing the political party-coloured cap. The deceased was the son of the owner of the drinking joint,” an eyewitness recounted.
Police Confirm Investigation Underway
The Osun State police spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that the suspected attackers were led by Saheed, alias Tanfeani. Ojelabi stated that Tanfeani and his accomplices are still at large, and the police are making efforts to arrest them. “One Saheed, also known as Tanfeani, came with other thugs and started shooting. In the process, a bullet hit Ezekiel Olapade, aged 14, and he died on the spot. Another person, whose identity is yet to be established, was also hit by a bullet and is currently receiving treatment in hospital,” Ojelabi disclosed. He added that investigations into the attack have commenced.
Broader Context of Violence in the Region
This incident is part of a worrying trend of violent attacks in Osun State and other parts of Nigeria. In similar events, armed men attacked the Ayegunle Bunu community in Kogi State, killing two people and kidnapping several residents and travelers. Local sources reported chaos as gunfire erupted, with many fleeing for safety. Police launched an investigation as the community grapples with the aftermath of the violent raid. Additionally, in Kubwa's Byazhin area, armed men killed a vigilante and abducted four residents. Residents reported a coordinated assault by about 28 attackers early Thursday morning, with joint security forces initiating search operations for the abducted victims and attackers.
Community in Mourning
The death of Ezekiel Olapade has left the Ilobu community in shock and mourning. The deceased was a young boy whose life was cut short in a violent attack that many believe was politically motivated. The injured victim, who was wearing the political party-coloured cap, is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. The police have urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of Saheed and his accomplices to come forward as investigations continue.
