Tension gripped the Alakia–Gbagi axis of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday following the death of a schoolboy who was reportedly hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer.
The tragic incident occurred along Gbagi Market Road in Egbeda Local Government Area during the early morning rush hour. The victim, dressed in his school uniform, was said to be on his way to an examination centre to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Eyewitnesses said the boy was in a vehicle driven by his father, who allegedly violated a traffic signal. In an attempt to evade arrest, the man was reportedly chased by policemen. One of the officers allegedly opened fire, aiming at the vehicle’s tyres, but the bullet struck the student instead.
A witness said, “The officer was trying to stop the car, but ended up shooting the child. Everything happened so quickly.”
The wounded boy was rushed to Welfare Hospital nearby but was confirmed dead on arrival.
The incident triggered outrage in the area, with angry residents staging a protest. The crowd carried the boy’s remains to the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, demanding justice.
The protesters were received by Mr. Sunday Odukoya, Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, who assured that the matter would be looked into with seriousness.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Police Command had yet to release an official statement on the incident, and efforts to reach the command’s spokesperson were unsuccessful.
The development has sparked renewed concerns about police conduct and use of firearms in public areas.
