A 14-year-old boy was shot dead in Ilobu, Osun State, in a suspected political attack. The Ilobu boy killing has sparked outrage and calls for swift investigation into violence linked to party affiliations
Fourteen-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, a resident of Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, was shot dead near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat on Sunday, 21 June 2026, in an incident allegedly carried out by suspected political thugs.
The boy’s father, visibly distraught and surrounded by community members, recounted in a video circulating on social media how his son was targeted for simply wearing a face cap associated with the Accord political platform.
Eyewitness accounts claim the assailants, led by a known figure called Saheed, also known as Tanfeani, arrived in an AMBO-branded vehicle and opened fire.
The grieving father stated emotionally: “They saw me with Accord cap… They shot my son because of the cap he was wearing.”
This Ilobu boy killing has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the growing influence of political thuggery in parts of Osun State.
Osun has experienced intermittent political tensions in recent years, particularly around election periods, though such violent incidents involving minors remain rare and deeply shocking to residents.
@freelanews News: 14-year-old boy unalived over political party cap near Irepodun LG Secretariat in Ilobu, Osun #fyp #news ♬ original sound – Freelanews
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the incident and identified the suspected leader of the group.
Spokesperson SP Abiodun Ojelabi noted that investigations are underway to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice. Police have appealed for calm while assuring the public that no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Community leaders and residents have expressed horror at the loss of a young life in what appears to be politically motivated violence.
Many have called for stronger security around public spaces and decisive action against cultism and thuggery that often exploit political differences.
A local observer remarked that such acts undermine the democratic process and leave families devastated.
As the investigation progresses, the people of Ilobu hope for swift justice and measures to prevent further bloodshed in the community.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
