A 13-year-old boy, Olaitan Tiamiyu, narrowly escaped death after being mistakenly shot by a night guard who allegedly mistook him for a thief in the Wajawaja Community, Apete area of Ibadan, Oyo State. Naija247news gathered that the incident occurred on Monday night while the teenager was riding on his father’s motorcycle.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the night guard, Mr. Akeem Babalola, claimed he opened fire because he believed the rider was a thief. He stated that he had signaled the motorcycle to stop, but the rider sped off, prompting him to shoot. Naija247news understands that the boy’s father, Alhaji Monsuru Tiamiyu, was returning home with his son after picking him up from his mother’s shop when the tragic incident unfolded.
A community member, who spoke to Naija247news on condition of anonymity, revealed that the father, upon seeing flashlights in the Alapata Community along Apete-Akufo Road, assumed they were robbers and accelerated to avoid them. “He thought he had left them behind, but what he heard next was a loud bang from a gunshot. Then his son cried out that he had been hit,” the source disclosed.
Naija247news reports that the father, shocked and distraught, immediately turned back to confront the shooter. Upon realizing his mistake, Mr. Babalola reportedly expressed regret, while two other guards accompanying him fled the scene. The father quickly called for help, and family members and neighbors rushed to the scene to assist.
According to Naija247news, the teenager was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for the gunshot wound. Doctors have described his condition as stable but emphasized the need for close monitoring due to the severity of the injury.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with residents calling for stricter regulations on the use of firearms by private security personnel. Naija247news gathered that local leaders are planning to meet with security agencies to address the issue and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that an investigation is underway. Naija247news understands that Mr. Babalola is currently in police custody, pending further inquiries.
This unfortunate event has reignited debates about the dangers of vigilantism and the need for proper training for private guards. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the Tiamiyu family is left counting their blessings that the bullet did not claim their son’s life. For now, the focus remains on Olaitan’s recovery and ensuring justice is served.
