A 14-year-old boy (name withheld) was tragically shot dead when a security guard on duty opened fire in the direction of attendees at a funeral party in Ilesa, Osun State.
According to PUNCH on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the shooting incident, which took place on Saturday in the Oke Ero area of Ilesa.
Ojelabi explained that the arrested suspects had been transferred to the command headquarters in Osogbo, where investigators are probing the immediate and remote causes of the tragic event.
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He said, “One person was confirmed dead. The victim was a 14-year-old. The incident happened during a funeral party in Ilesa.
“A security guard was allegedly involved in the shooting. Three other individuals sustained gunshot injuries, but two of them have been discharged from the hospital as of this morning.
“The two arrested suspects are in custody, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.”
However, sources close to the scene, who spoke under condition of anonymity, told PUNCH that the guard who fired the shots was a member of the Nigerian Forest Security Service assigned to provide security at the ceremony.
According to them, the incident was an accidental discharge, and the funeral ceremony was abruptly halted following the chaos that ensued.
An eyewitness explained, “It was an accidental discharge. The operative, who works with the Nigeria Forest Security Service, was on duty with some of his colleagues when the gun went off.
“One person was hit and died instantly, while others were injured. The gunfire caused panic, and guests fled in different directions, bringing the event to a sudden end.”
When contacted for comment, the Osun State Commander of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, Hammed Nureni, confirmed that the operative involved was from Plateau State.
Nureni said the police had taken over the investigation and described the shooting as an accidental discharge. He urged the public to remain calm while a thorough probe is conducted by the appropriate authorities.
He further explained, “They travelled from Jos to Ilesa for the burial. From the information I received, the shooting occurred during a gun salute in honour of the deceased.
“The operative reportedly fired a shot into the air, but as he attempted to lower his weapon, it discharged again, killing a 14-year-old boy, who was said to be a relative of the deceased being honoured.”
The tragic incident comes at a time when Osun State has recorded a notable decline in cases of firearm misuse, a result attributed to continuous advocacy by security agencies on responsible gun handling.
In February, the Osun State Police Command had warned residents, particularly hunters, against careless use of firearms during hunting activities.
The command noted that the caution followed repeated cases of accidental discharge that had resulted in loss of lives and injuries across the state.
In a statement issued by the then police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, the command advised hunters to keep loaded firearms away from their homes to prevent fatal accidents involving children or other individuals.
The statement read in part, “The Osun State Police Command deems it necessary to caution and sensitise members of the public, especially hunters, on safe firearm use.
“The command has recorded multiple cases of accidental discharges and gun misfires, many of which have claimed lives.”
It added, “Hunters are urged to strictly adhere to firearm safety regulations during hunting expeditions.
“They must avoid keeping loaded guns at home, as curious individuals, including children, may mishandle them, leading to tragic consequences.
“Furthermore, hunters should refrain from loading their firearms within residential areas to reduce the risk of accidental discharge, which poses serious danger to human life.
“The command warns that any form of negligence involving firearms will not be taken lightly.”
