A 14-year-old boy, identified as Ezekiel Olapade, has been killed after suspected hoodlums opened fire near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu, Osun State.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2026, also left another person injured. The victim sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attack took place opposite the local government secretariat near a palm wine joint owned by the deceased's mother.

Sources told journalists that the assailants, allegedly led by a suspected thug known as Saheed, popularly called "Tanfeani," had gathered around the council secretariat and were attempting to gain access to the premises when they spotted a man wearing a cap in the colours of a political party at the drinking spot.

The armed men reportedly moved toward the location and began shooting indiscriminately, sending customers and residents fleeing for safety.

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the teenager was not the intended target of the attack.

"The boy who died was probably not the target. The hoodlums noticed someone wearing a political party-coloured cap at the palm wine joint and moved towards the area. As soon as people saw them approaching with weapons, everyone started running," the source said.

"In the confusion, Ezekiel was struck by a bullet and died on the spot. The other victim, who was wearing the cap, survived and was taken to the hospital. The deceased was the son of the owner of the palm wine joint."

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspected attackers were led by Saheed, also known as Tanfeani.

"The incident occurred near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu. One Saheed, also known as Tanfeani, arrived with other thugs and opened fire. During the attack, a bullet hit Ezekiel Olapade, aged 14, who died on the spot," Ojelabi said.

He added that another victim, whose identity has yet to be established, was also struck by a bullet and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the prime suspect and his accomplices remain at large, while efforts are ongoing to track them down and bring them to justice.