Angry youths on Tuesday stormed the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan to protest the death of a student who was allegedly killed by a stray bullet fired by a police officer.
The student, who was on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams, was reportedly hit around Gbagi Market Road in the early hours of the day. He was accompanied by his father and sibling at the time of the incident.
Sources told our correspondent that the bullet came from a police officer who was in pursuit of a suspect.
The victim was rushed to Welfare Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
In response to the tragic incident, irate residents carried the student’s body to the Government Secretariat, demanding justice and calling for Governor Seyi Makinde’s intervention.
Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, President of Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), condemned the shooting and called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to launch a full investigation.
“According to reports, the boy was being taken to school by his father when officers—some from the police force and others from OYRTMA—allegedly opened fire while pursuing suspects,” Bello said. “It is alleged that the officers acted unprofessionally, leading to the death of the child. The father, who has singlehandedly raised his children since their mother left seven years ago, is devastated.”
Bello urged authorities to ensure accountability and prevent such tragedies from recurring.
