A sorrowful incident has thrown the Alaakia community in Ibadan into mourning after a WAEC candidate was struck and killed by a stray bullet fired by police officers reportedly pursuing a suspect.
According to eyewitness accounts, the police were in hot pursuit of a Hilux van believed to be linked to criminal activities when officers discharged their weapons. Tragically, one of the bullets missed its intended target and struck a student travelling in his father’s car, on his way to take an important WAEC examination.
The young victim, whose identity had yet to be officially confirmed as of press time, was said to have died instantly at the scene, leaving his family and the entire community in shock and grief.
The devastating incident quickly ignited anger and sorrow in Ibadan and beyond, as community leaders and rights advocates demanded immediate accountability from the police.
A concerned local leader speaking to reporters declared, “It is unacceptable that an innocent young student lost his life because of reckless police action. We demand justice for the family and assurance that such incidents will never happen again.”
Several human rights organisations have since condemned the tragic event, urging security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians, especially in densely populated environments where reckless gunfire can lead to unnecessary deaths.
A spokesperson for a civil society group emphasised, “We call on the authorities to ensure thorough investigations are conducted and that those responsible are held accountable.”
The victim’s family has been left devastated, mourning the loss of a bright future cruelly taken in a matter of seconds. Funeral plans have yet to be made public as the family reels from the shock.
As investigations are said to be underway, many Nigerians are hoping this painful tragedy will push for meaningful reforms within the police force, ensuring that innocent lives are better protected during security operations.
At the time of filing this report, the police command in Oyo State had not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Further updates are expected as inquiries progress.
