The Oyo State Government has explained the circumstances that led to the heartbreaking death of a secondary school student in Ibadan who was hit by a stray bullet while on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the student’s father was driving against traffic when the tragic incident occurred. The government said the incident took place around 7:30 a.m. on the Alakia Old Road in Ibadan.
Describing the incident as “sad, shocking and painful,” the government said it could have been avoided if traffic rules had been obeyed. It explained that officials from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), along with police officers, were on a routine traffic enforcement patrol in the area following complaints by residents about frequent one-way traffic violations that had caused previous accidents and even deaths.
The government revealed that the student’s father was driving a tinted black Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU against the flow of traffic when security operatives attempted to stop him.
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“In an attempt to stop the traffic violator, a policeman—now under investigation by the state police command—allegedly aimed at one of the vehicle’s tyres, but the bullet tragically missed its mark and struck the student instead,” the statement said.
The Oyo State Government called for calm and urged the public to allow the police and authorities to conduct a full investigation. It also reassured citizens that justice will be pursued and steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
“The WASSCE student death in Ibadan is a tragic reminder of why strict adherence to traffic laws is essential for everyone’s safety,” the statement added.
In response to the tragedy, the government warned against attacking traffic enforcement officers and reiterated that the police backup was necessary due to previous incidents, including the killing of an OYRTMA official by a traffic offender.
This tragic case of the WASSCE student death in Ibadan has sparked widespread outrage and mourning across the state, with many calling for justice and accountability. The state government has promised to ensure that such a painful occurrence is never repeated and has emphasized its commitment to upholding law and order while protecting citizens.
