Tragedy struck in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday morning, as a yet-to-be-identified student on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) was allegedly killed by a stray bullet fired by a police officer.
Eyewitnesses told EduTimes Africa that the incident occurred along the busy Gbagi Market Road when a team of police officers reportedly opened fire while chasing a moving vehicle. In the chaos, a stray bullet struck the student who was reportedly riding with his father on a motorcycle to his examination centre.
The victim was rushed to Welfare Hospital by concerned bystanders but was confirmed dead on arrival.
The devastating incident sparked immediate outrage, with aggrieved residents and sympathisers reportedly carrying the student’s body to the Oyo State Government Secretariat to protest and draw the attention of Governor Seyi Makinde to what they described as a senseless killing.
As of press time, the Oyo State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement. Multiple attempts by EduTimes Africa to reach the police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, have been unsuccessful.
The incident has once again raised questions about police conduct and the safety of young Nigerians, especially students, in volatile environments.
EduTimes Africa will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more details emerge.
See video
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
