Protest In Ibadan Over Student Killed By Police Stray Bullet, Oyo Assembly Seeks Justice
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – Life of a teenager, a secondary school boy, known as Taiwo was cut short at the early hour of today (Tuesday) along Gbagi/Alakia road Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State.
The situation according to the father of the deceased, who was accompanied by some aggrieved Okada riders and other concerned traders in that axis took the corpse of the boy to the Governor’s Office Agodi Secretariat said he was taken his children, twins and their elder brother to school but was stopped by the Police for violating traffic rules.
Speaking in tears, the middle aged man said, “I agreed that I violated the traffic and I was stopped by the OYRTMA Officers and it was in the process that some policemen that were in hot chase of a vehicle came to us and engaged me and I told him that I’m already running late that’s why I drove against the traffic, we were in the mid of that conversation that I heard a sound of gunshots and before I could say anything, my son called my attention to a blood coming from our farm my car and the next thing I saw was my son gasping for breath in the midst of his blood.
“I had to rush it to the nearby hospital where it was pronounced dead.
Another eyewitness account said, “the police officers were in chase of suspects believed to be internet fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo Boys.”
In the course of the chase, one of the bullets allegedly missed its intended target and struck the student.
The victim was immediately rushed to Welfare Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Outraged by the development, traders and concerned residents marched to the Oyo State Secretariat with the deceased’s body, calling for justice and accountability.
The protest drew a significant crowd, prompting security agents to reinforce their presence at the Secretariat.
However, the Oyo State House of Assembly has taken a strong stance on the unjust killing of the student.
The House described the incident as “painful and unwarranted” and resolved to take several steps to ensure justice is served.
The incident was brought to the House by Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola, the Deputy Leader of the House, under a Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
According to him, the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, when a police officer pursuing a suspect along Gbagi Market Road in Ibadan discharged live ammunition in a public space, resulting in the death of the student who was on his way to a WAEC examination center.
The House expressed deep sorrow over the incident and commiserated with the family of the deceased student and the entire Ibadan community.
Members of the House who were visibly shaken by the news called on the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the officer responsible is identified and prosecuted according to the law.
This call for investigation and prosecution is aimed at bringing the perpetrator to justice and providing succour to the family of the deceased student.
The House further resolved to urge the Executive Arm of Government to provide psychological support and financial compensation to the bereaved family.
This support is necessary to help the family cope with the loss of their loved one and to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance during this difficult time.
The House also resolved to urge the Ministry of Information and Orientation to embark on a statewide awareness campaign on citizens’ rights and police conduct.
After deliberating on the sad incident, the House constituted an eight-man Committee to be led by the Deputy Speaker to visit the Oyo State Commissioner of Police on Thursday and report to the House immediately.
The Committee will work to ensure that the incident is thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are held accountable.
The House appealed to the Inspector General of Police to issue clear directives prohibiting the reckless use of firearms in public places and to ensure officers undergo regular training in responsible crowd and suspect management.
This appeal is aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future and promoting a safer environment for citizens.