A 12-year-old boy, Tobi Ilesanmi, was injured by a stray bullet during an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign procession in Ilesa, Osun State, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The incident triggered protests and led to the arrest of the state's Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Mayowa Asejoorin.
Shooting Details and Eyewitness Accounts
The young victim was inside his mother's shop when the bullet struck him. Eyewitnesses reported that gunshots were fired toward a group of APC supporters during the procession, also wounding several party members. The exact number of injured persons and the full circumstances of the shooting were not immediately confirmed.
One eyewitness stated, "Several APC members were also injured during the incident." The identities of the shooters remained unknown, and the boy's current condition was unverified at the time of reporting.
Protests and Police Response
News of the shooting sparked immediate protests in parts of Ilesa, with angry residents demanding a thorough investigation. The Osun State Police Command swiftly deployed officers to the scene. Spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the recovery of evidence, including expanded cartridges and Amotekun personnel caps.
Ojelabi stated, "Immediately the incident was reported, our personnel moved to the scene, cordoned off the area before some exhibits were recovered which included expanded cartridges, Amotekun personnel caps." The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Mayowa Asejoorin, was arrested and taken to the command headquarters for questioning.
Political Context and Election Tensions
The incident occurs amid heightened political activity in Osun State, with rival parties campaigning aggressively ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The shooting has raised concerns about violence during political rallies and the safety of civilians.
Authorities have not released further details, but the police investigation is ongoing. The public awaits updates on the condition of the injured boy and the outcome of the questioning of the arrested commissioner.
