The Oyo State Government has reacted to the incident involving a student hit by a stray bullet in Ibadan while on his way to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to the government, the father of the student was driving against traffic when the tragic event occurred.
In a statement on Tuesday, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, explained that the fatal shot was fired by a police officer during a routine traffic enforcement operation on Alakia Road, Ibadan.
The government clarified that the incident was not linked to a police chase involving internet fraud suspects, as some earlier reports suggested.
Instead, officers from the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority (OYRTMA) and the police were carrying out operations to address one-way traffic violations following complaints from residents.
The student was in a tinted black Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU, driven by his father around 7:30 a.m. The vehicle was moving against traffic when enforcement agents stopped it.
While attempting to stop the car, a police officer aimed at one of the tires. The bullet missed but struck the student, who was in the car with his father and twin brother.
The student was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital.
Eyewitnesses said the student and his twin were on their way to the exam center when the shooting happened.
The news sparked outrage, leading some youths to carry the boy’s lifeless body to the state secretariat in Agodi, demanding justice and intervention from Governor Makinde.
The body has reportedly been taken to the Adeoyo Hospital morgue.
Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State Government extended condolences to the family and assured the public that the officer involved is under investigation by the state police command.
“The state government clarifies that contrary to claims that the incident occurred while the police were chasing a suspected internet fraudster, the incident occurred during a routine operation against traffic infractions, carried out by men of the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority (OYRTMA),” the statement read.
“OYRTMA officials, in conjunction with a team from the police, embarked on the traffic operation on Alakia Old Road following complaints from residents over constant one-way traffic violations that have led to deaths and life-threatening injuries on the axis.
“The government maintained that the father of the slain boy drove a tinted black Honda Accord car with registration number FST 639 JU against the traffic at around 7:30 a.m.
“It noted that it was during an attempt to apprehend the traffic offender that a policeman, who is already being investigated by the Oyo State Police Command, allegedly aimed a shot at one of the tyres of the car, which missed the target.”
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) strongly condemned the shooting.
In a statement by National Public Relations Officer Samson Adeyemi, NANS described the act as “reckless and senseless,” calling for an independent and transparent investigation.
NANS demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officer responsible, and urged the state government to compensate the family.
“We call for an immediate, thorough, and independent investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice without fear or favour,” Adeyemi said.
“The officer responsible must be arrested without delay and prosecuted fully. Accountability is non-negotiable.”
“We also demand that the bereaved family be adequately compensated. While no compensation can replace the lost life, it is necessary to acknowledge their pain and hold those responsible accountable.”
Adeyemi added, “Unchecked brutality by law enforcement must stop immediately. NANS remains committed to protecting the safety and dignity of Nigerian students and citizens.”
“We urge all students and the public to remain calm and law-abiding as we seek justice. Together, we will ensure this tragedy does not go unanswered and work to prevent future incidents.”
At the time of this report, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, had not responded to calls or messages regarding the incident.
