A 13-year-old boy, Olaitan Tiamiyu, is lucky to be alive after being shot by a night guard who mistook him for a thief in Oyo State, Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Monday night at Wajawaja Community in Apete area of Ibadan.
According to eyewitnesses, Olaitan was riding on his father’s motorcycle when the night guard, Mr. Akeem Babalola, waved at them to stop.
However, the father, Alhaji Monsuru Tiamiyu, thinking they were robbers, increased his speed and attempted to leave the scene.
Tragically, the night guard opened fire, hitting Olaitan. The father immediately stopped the motorcycle and rushed back to confront the shooter, holding him until family members and neighbors arrived at the scene.
The night guard claimed he thought the rider was a thief, but his actions have raised questions about the use of excessive force and the need for better training for security personnel.
Fortunately, Olaitan is receiving medical attention and is expected to recover from his injuries.