Tensions ran high in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday as youths staged a protest at the State Government Secretariat following the tragic death of a student who was struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer. The student was reportedly on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams when the incident occurred near Gbagi Market Road in the early hours of the day.
According to eyewitnesses, the student was accompanied by his sibling and father when the police officer, who was in pursuit of a suspect, discharged his firearm. The stray bullet hit the student, who was immediately rushed to Welfare Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Outraged residents carried the student’s lifeless body to the Oyo State Government Secretariat, demanding urgent intervention from Governor Seyi Makinde to address the incident and ensure justice.
Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, President of Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), condemned the killing in a statement obtained by DAILY POST. He called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
Bello highlighted reports that police officers and officials from the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA) were allegedly shooting indiscriminately while pursuing traffic offenders and suspected criminals. He described the officers’ conduct as unprofessional, which tragically led to the death of the young student.
He further noted the victim’s father has been solely caring for the children since their mother left seven years ago, adding a human dimension to the heartbreaking loss.
The incident has sparked widespread calls for accountability and improved police conduct to prevent such tragedies in the future.
