The Oyo State Government has issued a detailed statement in response to the tragic incident involving a student who was hit by a stray bullet in Ibadan while on his way to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The government provided clarity on the circumstances surrounding the event and addressed misinformation circulating on social media.
According to the official statement, the father of the student was driving against traffic regulations when the unfortunate shooting occurred. 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, aimed at curbing one-way traffic violations that had been causing accidents and endangering lives.
The government explicitly clarified that this incident was unrelated to any police chase involving suspected internet fraudsters, contradicting earlier rumors and reports. Instead, the shooting happened while officers from the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority (OYRTMA), working alongside the police, were conducting enforcement activities following complaints from residents about persistent traffic violations in the area.
On the morning of the incident, the student was a passenger in a tinted black Honda Accord with the registration number FST 639 JU, driven by his father at approximately 7:30 a.m. The vehicle was traveling against traffic rules when enforcement agents signaled to stop the car. During the attempt to halt the vehicle, a police officer aimed his firearm at one of the tires to disable the car. Unfortunately, the bullet missed the tire and struck the student, who was accompanied by his father and twin brother in the car.
The student was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead, leaving the community and state in mourning. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the student and his twin were heading to their exam center at the time of the shooting.
The tragic news ignited outrage among youths and residents, with some protesters carrying the boy’s lifeless body to the state secretariat in Agodi to demand justice and direct intervention from Governor Makinde. The deceased’s body has since been taken to the Adeoyo Hospital morgue for further examination.
Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State Government extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. The police officer involved is currently under investigation by the Oyo State Police Command, as the government seeks accountability and justice.
The official statement reiterated: “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 further emphasized that “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 also noted, “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 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.”
In response to the shooting, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) released a strong condemnation of the act, describing it as “reckless and senseless.” Samson Adeyemi, National Public Relations Officer for NANS, called for an independent and transparent investigation, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the responsible officer. NANS also urged the state government to ensure adequate compensation for the grieving family.
Adeyemi stated, “We call for an immediate, thorough, and independent investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice without fear or favour. The officer responsible must be arrested without delay and prosecuted fully. Accountability is non-negotiable.”
He continued, “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 further added, “Unchecked brutality by law enforcement must stop immediately. NANS remains committed to protecting the safety and dignity of Nigerian students and citizens.” He also urged students and the wider public to remain calm and law-abiding as they seek justice, emphasizing that the tragedy must not go unanswered and that measures should be taken 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 incident, leaving many awaiting official upd
ates on the investigation.