Father of WASSCE student killed by police was driving against traffic – Oyo Govt

The Oyo State Government has said that the father of the student killed by a stray bullet in Ibadan was driving against traffic when the incident occurred.

According to a statement issued Tuesday by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, the tragic event happened during a routine traffic enforcement operation along Alakia Road, Ibadan.

The student, who was on his way to write the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), was reportedly hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer aiming at the vehicle’s tyre.

This newspaper gathered that the student was riding on a motorcycle with his father and twin brother when the shooting occurred.

Eyewitnesses said a police officer, involved in a joint task force with officials from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), opened fire while attempting to stop the vehicle.

One witness, identified only as Ajani, said, “A police officer opened fire while chasing a fleeing vehicle. One of the bullets reportedly hit the student.

The student was riding on a motorcycle with his father and twin brother.

The victim was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.”

Another witness corroborated, “The deceased was on his way to the examination centre alongside his twin brother when the tragedy happened.”

The incident sparked outrage among residents and youths, who took the boy’s body to the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi to demand justice. The body was later deposited at Adeoyo Hospital morgue.

Providing clarification on the incident, Olanrewaju said the operation was part of efforts to curb one-way driving violations on the Alakia Old Road, which had been reported to cause multiple accidents and injuries.

He explained that the student’s father was driving a tinted black Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU against traffic when he was intercepted by the enforcement team.

In an attempt to stop the vehicle, one of the police officers fired at the tyre, but the bullet missed and struck the student instead.

“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 infraction, carried out by men of the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority,” Olanrewaju said.

“According to the government, 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.”

He added that the police officer involved has been identified and is currently under investigation by the Oyo State Police Command.

The state government has extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that it will work closely with the police to ensure justice is served. Olanrewaju also urged citizens to remain calm and to obey traffic regulations.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded an independent probe into the incident. In a statement, NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, condemned the killing, describing it as a “reckless and senseless violation” of human life.

“We call for an immediate, thorough, and independent investigation into the incident to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served without fear or favour,” Adeyemi said.

“The officer responsible for this heinous act must be apprehended without delay and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Accountability is non-negotiable, and we will not accept anything less.

Furthermore, we demand that the bereaved family be adequately compensated for their irreplaceable loss. While no amount of compensation can replace the life taken, it remains a crucial step toward acknowledging the family’s pain and holding the responsible parties accountable.”

He also urged the Oyo State Government to act swiftly to prevent any potential unrest, warning that unchecked brutality by law enforcement continues to threaten public safety.

“We appeal to all students and members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as we collectively pursue justice for the deceased and his family,” Adeyemi concluded.

“Together, we will ensure that this tragedy does not go unanswered, and we will work tirelessly to prevent future occurrences.”