A tragic incident unfolded in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday morning as a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer struck and killed a student who was on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), organised by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
The incident occurred along Gbagi Market Road in the Egbeda Local Government Area, where the student, travelling with his twin brother in their father’s car, was hit during what authorities described as a routine traffic enforcement operation.
According to eyewitness reports, police officers, in collaboration with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), were attempting to stop a vehicle allegedly driving against traffic. In the process, an officer fired at the car, reportedly aiming for the tyre but instead hitting the student.
One witness, identified as Ajani, recounted, “A police officer opened fire while chasing a fleeing vehicle. One of the bullets reportedly hit the student. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.”
Another eyewitness added that the deceased was accompanied by his twin brother and was en route to his examination centre when the bullet struck.
The death sparked outrage in the community. Irate youths, in a protest for justice, carried the lifeless body of the student to the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, demanding immediate intervention from Governor Seyi Makinde.
In response, the state government issued a statement expressing condolences to the bereaved family and describing the event as “sad, shocking and painful.” The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed that the government was working closely with the state police command to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure justice is served.
The government also addressed conflicting reports regarding the incident. Contrary to initial claims that the police were pursuing a suspected internet fraudster, officials clarified that the operation was part of a crackdown on traffic violations in the Alakia Old Road axis, a response to multiple resident complaints about one-way driving leading to injuries and deaths.
According to Olanrewaju, the deceased’s father was driving a black, tinted Honda Accord (registration number FST 639 JU) against traffic around 7:30 a.m. when the incident occurred. He stated that the involved police officer is currently under investigation.
“We urge residents to stay calm while the police and the government handle the situation,” the statement read. “We also use this opportunity to remind motorists of the grave risks involved in violating traffic regulations.”
The government has reassured the public that comprehensive measures will be put in place to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy and reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability.
As investigations continue, the identity of the student has yet to be formally released by authorities. The WAEC has not issued an official comment as of the time of this report.
