The Oyo State Government has confirmed that the police officer who fatally shot a secondary schoolboy during a routine traffic operation in Ibadan is currently under investigation.
The incident, which occurred on Alakia Old Road on Tuesday, has sparked outrage among residents and calls for justice.
In a press release signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, the government expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, describing the event as “sad, shocking and painful.”
The government emphasised that the incident was “totally avoidable,” explaining that it stemmed from a traffic violation committed by the father of the deceased, who was driving against traffic.
The statement noted that around 7:30 a.m., “the father of the slain boy was driving a tinted black Honda Accord car (registration number FST 639 JU) against traffic.
During the attempt to apprehend him, a policeman now under investigation fired a shot aimed at one of the car’s tyres.
The bullet missed the tyre but struck the student inside the vehicle, causing fatal injuries.”
The government clarified that contrary to circulating reports that the police were pursuing a suspected internet fraudster, the shooting “occurred during a routine crackdown on traffic violations by the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority (OYRTMA), with police support.
”The operation was launched following complaints about frequent one-way traffic breaches along Alakia Old Road, which had previously resulted in deaths and serious injuries.”
The government assured the public that it would work closely with the Oyo State Police Command to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting and ensure accountability.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as they address the situation, while reiterating the importance of obeying traffic laws.
The tragedy had provoked anger in the Alakia-Gbagi area of Ibadan, especially as it happened during the morning rush hour.
Following the incident, a mob carried the boy’s corpse to the Oyo State Secretariat, staging a protest to demand justice and accountability from the government.
Eyewitnesses reported that the police officer fired the shot in an effort to disable the fleeing vehicle.
One witness recounted, “The officer was trying to stop the vehicle, but he fired and hit the boy instead. It all happened so fast along Gbagi Market Road.
” The child was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.”
No Official Statement from Police
As of the time of reporting, the police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
