A tragic incident has rocked Oyo State as a student was reportedly killed by a stray bullet while on his way to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Ibadan.
The student, whose name has not been disclosed, was in a vehicle with his twin brother and father around 7:30 a.m. when the incident happened.
According to the Oyo State Government, the car a black tinted Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU was being driven against traffic along Alakia Road.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, the government explained the situation.
“It is a strategic issue that involves bilateral security issues,” the statement said.
The state government emphasized that the incident had no connection to a police chase involving internet fraud suspects, contrary to some early claims circulating online.
“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),” it noted.
According to the statement, OYRTMA officials and a team of police officers had launched an enforcement operation in response to repeated complaints about one-way traffic violations.
These complaints had reportedly led to several accidents and injuries in the area.
While trying to stop the vehicle, a police officer reportedly aimed at one of its tires.
Unfortunately, the bullet missed and struck the student instead.
The young boy was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital, triggering outrage among locals.
The student and his twin were reportedly on their way to their WASSCE exam center when the bullet struck.
This devastating loss sparked a protest, with angry youths carrying the student’s lifeless body to the state secretariat at Agodi.
They demanded swift justice and government intervention.
The state government has since expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family and assured the public that the officer involved is currently being investigated by the Oyo State Police Command.
The shooting also drew a strong reaction from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In a statement issued by Samson Adeyemi, National Public Relations Officer of NANS, the group condemned the act.
“We call for an immediate, thorough, and independent investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice without fear or favour,” Adeyemi said.
He went on to demand accountability and justice.
“The officer responsible must be arrested without delay and prosecuted fully. Accountability is non-negotiable.”
NANS further called for compensation to be paid to the victim’s family.
“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,” he added.
He also called for urgent reforms in law enforcement operations.
“Unchecked brutality by law enforcement must stop immediately.
NANS remains committed to protecting the safety and dignity of Nigerian students and citizens,” Adeyemi stated.
“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.”
As of the time of this report, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, had not responded to calls or messages regarding the matter.
