Osun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected hoodlums following the killing of a 14-year-old boy identified as Ezekiel Olapade and the injury of another person during a shooting incident near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat, Ilobu.

The police also revealed that the deceased, Olapade, was reportedly struck by a stray bullet when armed men opened fire close to the council secretariat on Sunday afternoon.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers had commenced investigations and were intensifying efforts to apprehend the prime suspect, identified as Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani”, alongside others believed to have participated in the attack.

“The incident happened this afternoon near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu. One Saheed, also known as Tanfeani, came with other thugs and started shooting. In the process, a bullet hit Ezekiel Olapade, aged 14, and he died on the spot.”

According to the police, another victim whose identity had yet to be established also sustained gunshot wounds and was receiving treatment in hospital.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen had assembled near the local government secretariat and were allegedly attempting to gain access to the premises when they noticed a man wearing a cap bearing the colours of a political party at a nearby palm wine joint.

The relaxation spot, located opposite the council secretariat, was reportedly owned by the deceased’s mother and had several patrons present when the attackers advanced towards the area.

A resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the assailants fired indiscriminately, causing people at the scene to flee in different directions.

“We were all relaxing there when the incident happened. As soon as we saw the armed men advancing towards us, everybody started running.

“The boy who died was probably not the target of those hoodlums. They were shooting in our direction and, in the confusion, Ezekiel was hit by a bullet and died on the spot,” the witness said.

The witness also added that the injured victim was the individual wearing the political party-coloured cap.

The police, however, confirmed that the suspected attackers remained at large and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to bring those responsible to justice.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two suspected kidnappers during an operation in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

The development was contained in a post shared on X on Monday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.

According to the post, the suspects were arrested at about 6:00 p.m. on Sunday following credible intelligence on the activities of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.

Sources said troops of the 5 Brigade worked with members of the Hybrid Force to carry out the operation, providing support that led to the successful tracking and arrest of the suspects.

During the operation, security operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine from the suspects.

“The suspects and the recovered arms have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action,” the report said.

The military said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.

Operation Hadin Kai has continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at weakening the activities of terrorists and criminal groups across Borno and the wider North-East.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified offensive operations across the North-West, killing two bandits, arresting seven suspected terrorist collaborators and foiling criminal activities in Kaduna and Zamfara states.

Operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Sunday, revealed that troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion neutralised two bandits in Lere village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The report added that troops recovered rustled cows, an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and ammunition during a response to cattle rustling activities in the area.

In Zamfara State, the report stated that troops apprehended four suspected collaborators allegedly linked to notorious bandit kingpin, Gwaska Dan Karami, during a cordon-and-search operation in Birnin Magaji.

According to the report, the suspects were identified as Alhaji Yahya Hoji, Abdullahi Dan Tsabaro, Kabiru Dan Gulgule and Kalala.

The report also disclosed that three additional suspects with alleged links to terrorist activities were arrested during the screening of returning pilgrims at Gusau International Airport.

The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining onslaught against bandits and terrorists, urging public to continue to support the troops in their efforts to secure communities in the North West.