Gbenga Olapade, father of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, has recounted the events that led to the teenager’s death during a shooting near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu, Osun State.
Speaking to Punch on June 23, 2026, Olapade said the violence erupted suddenly on Saturday evening while residents were going about their normal activities. The attack reportedly occurred near a palm wine bar and left Ezekiel dead and another man injured.
Olapade alleged that the gunmen, led by an individual identified as Saheed Tanfeani, opened fire on people gathered in the area despite the presence of police officers nearby.
According to him, he had spoken with his son less than 30 minutes before the incident. Amid the chaos, Ezekiel initially moved away but returned after hearing that his mother had fallen during the commotion.
“My son, after learning about his mother falling, turned around to go back to her,” Olapade said.
He explained that the attackers were allegedly targeting another man wearing a yellow fez cap when a bullet struck the teenager.
Olapade said he was unaware his son had been hit, as he was focused on helping the injured man and transporting him to a pharmacy for treatment.
“It was only later that I realised my own son had been mortally wounded,” he said.
The incident has sparked concern in the community as authorities continue efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
