A 13-year-old boy in Oyo State is recovering after being mistakenly shot by a night guard who believed he was a thief. The incident occurred late Monday night in the Wajawaja Community of Apete, Ibadan, leaving the community in shock as a routine evening ride turned into a life-threatening situation.
The victim, Olaitan Tiamiyu, was riding with his father, Alhaji Monsuru Tiamiyu, on a motorcycle after visiting Olaitan's mother's shop. They encountered the night guard, Mr. Akeem Babalola, who suspected them of being thieves when they did not stop after being signaled and instead sped off.
As they passed through Alapata Community on Apete-Akufo Road, they noticed flashlights ahead. Fearing a robbery, Alhaji Tiamiyu accelerated to evade a potential attack. However, as they approached a corner, the guard fired a shot, hitting Olaitan in the thigh and back. The bullet also grazed the father's buttock, but he fortunately did not sustain major injuries. Olaitan cried out in pain, feeling numb and cold as blood poured from his leg.
In an emotional moment, Alhaji Tiamiyu rushed back to confront the shooter. Upon recognizing Mr. Babalola, the situation escalated. The guard, initially in shock, attempted to defend himself with a cutlass and charms, but Alhaji Tiamiyu restrained him, demanding that his son make a distress call. As Olaitan’s bleeding intensified, he contacted his mother, and help arrived swiftly.
A growing crowd gathered around the scene, and anger escalated when they saw the teenager's injuries. In response, the mob attacked the night guard, severely injuring him before he was taken to a private hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, Olaitan, who suffered from 11 gunshot pellets lodged in his thigh, buttock, and back, was also taken to a local doctor for treatment.
In his account of the incident, Olaitan, a Junior Secondary School (JSS3) student, vividly recalled the harrowing moments leading up to the shooting. He explained how his father had tried to avoid the area after seeing the flashlights, only for the shot to ring out as they attempted to turn a corner. "I saw blood flowing, and I fell to the ground," he said. His father, visibly shaken but determined, immediately sought help, and the situation took a violent turn when the crowd, enraged by the sight of the wounded child, began assaulting the guard.
Mr. Akeem Babalola, aged 55, later provided his version of the events, explaining that he had been on night patrol with two other guards when he noticed the approaching motorcycle.
Upon seeing the rider swerve quickly, he assumed the person was a thief fleeing the scene. When the rider did not stop after being waved down, Babalola, in what he described as a split-second decision, fired his dane gun, unaware that his finger was on the trigger. After realizing his mistake, Babalola attempted to explain himself, but the situation had already spiraled out of control.
In the aftermath, Babalola was assaulted by the mob before being rescued and hospitalized. He denied the accusations that he used charms against the father and son, questioning how someone supposedly attacked with charms could still stand.
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the incident, with spokesperson CSP Adewale Osifeso assuring that investigations are underway. An update on the case will be provided as the investigation progresses.
This incident has raised serious concerns about security in the community and the responsibilities of night guards in preventing such tragic misunderstandings. While Olaitan's life was saved, the repercussions of the event will likely resonate for years to come as the community grapples with the aftermath of a night that could have been far more tragic.
Post a Comment