A tragic twist has emerged in the death of a WAEC candidate in Ibadan, as the Oyo State Government has revealed that the victim’s father was allegedly driving against traffic when a police officer fired a shot that led to the student’s death.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, explained that the incident happened during a routine traffic enforcement operation along Alakia Road. The operation was a joint task force exercise between the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and the police, aimed at curbing dangerous one-way driving in the area.
According to the government’s account, the student was on a motorcycle with his father and twin brother when the officer fired at the vehicle’s tyre to stop it. “The bullet missed the tyre and tragically struck the student, who was on his way to write the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE),” Olanrewaju stated.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said the officer fired while chasing the father’s tinted black Honda Accord (plate number FST 639 JU). The student died after being rushed to the hospital. The death sparked protests, with angry residents marching to the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi carrying the boy’s body.
The government emphasized that contrary to earlier reports claiming the police were pursuing a suspected internet fraudster, “the incident occurred during a routine operation against traffic infraction.” Olanrewaju confirmed that the officer involved had been identified and was under investigation by the Oyo State Police Command.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the killing. “We call for an immediate, thorough, and independent investigation into the incident to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served,” said Samson Adeyemi, NANS National PRO. He also demanded compensation for the victim’s family and warned that unchecked brutality by law enforcement threatened public safety.
The Oyo State Government extended its condolences to the bereaved family and urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue.
