Tragedy struck in Ilesa, Osun State, on Saturday when a 14-year-old boy was shot dead after a security operative allegedly fired live rounds during a funeral party in the Oke Ero area of the town.

The incident occurred during a burial ceremony that ended abruptly following the fatal shooting, which also left three others injured.

Eyewitnesses said the deceased, whose name has not yet been released, was hit by a stray bullet when the operative reportedly fired into the crowd.

Confirming the incident, Osun Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said two suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing.

“One person was shot dead. The deceased is a 14-year-old. It happened at a funeral party in Ilesa. A guard was allegedly involved in the shooting.
Three other people sustained injuries, but two have been discharged from the hospital,” Ojelabi stated.

He added that the case had been transferred to the command headquarters in Osogbo for further investigation.

Sources close to the scene said the shooter was an operative of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, and that the incident may have been an accidental discharge.

Confirming the development, the Osun State Commander of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, Hammed Nureni, said the operative involved came from Plateau State to attend the funeral ceremony in Ilesa.

“From what I was told, the shooting occurred while the guards were performing a gun salute in honour of the deceased.
The operative fired into the air, and as he was lowering his firearm, it accidentally discharged again, killing a relative of the deceased,” Nureni explained.

He appealed for calm, assuring that the police have taken over the investigation to ensure justice is served.

The tragic incident has since thrown the Ilesa community into mourning, as residents call for tighter control over firearms and greater caution during traditional or ceremonial salutes.