Controversy has erupted in Ibadan, Oyo State, following the tragic death of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade, who was killed by a police stray bullet while on his way to write his West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination on Tuesday morning.

The incident, which occurred around Gbagi market, has sparked outrage among residents, with youths staging a protest at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, carrying the deceased's body and demanding Governor Seyi Makinde's intervention.

According to police reports, the tragedy happened during a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA). The victim's father, Odunayo Alade, was allegedly driving against traffic in a black Honda Accord when authorities attempted to stop him.

The Oyo State Police Command, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, explained that rather than complying with directives, the driver accelerated, ramming into two OYRTMA vehicles and a police patrol truck. During the ensuing chase, a police corporal discharged a firearm aimed at the vehicle's tyres, but the bullet struck the teenager who was seated in the rear seat.

"The boy was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival," the statement read.

Commissioner of Police Johnson Adenola has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department. The officer responsible for discharging the firearm has been taken into custody and is cooperating with investigations.

The Egbeda Local Government Traditional Council, in a statement signed by High Chief Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland and Acting Chairman of the council, condemned the incident and called for justice.

"We condemn in strong terms the reckless use of firearms in civilian areas, particularly in school zones and residential communities. The life of every citizen, especially our children, must be treated as sacred," the statement read.

The council urged Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to launch a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, ensure the responsible officer faces the law, and provide appropriate compensation to the bereaved family.

The Oyo State Government, through Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde, described the incident as "totally avoidable" and promised to work with the police to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.

However, the government's response has drawn criticism from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, which accused the administration of shifting blame to the victim's father instead of accepting responsibility for failing to protect citizens.

"Gov. Makinde did not see the need to send armed security men after kidnapping bandits and other criminals who torment hapless citizens in many local government councils in the state every day, but he takes pride in sending troops after motorists," the APC stated through its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare.

The party called for the deployment of technology such as CCTV cameras to track traffic offenders rather than using armed personnel, which they described as brutal force and high-handedness.

Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI) President, Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, also condemned the killing, describing the security agents' conduct as unprofessional. According to Bello, the victim's father had been taking care of his children alone for seven years after their mother left.

As investigations continue, the deceased's body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.