The Oyo State Government has confirmed that the police officer who fatally shot a secondary school pupil during a routine traffic operation in Ibadan is currently under investigation.
The incident, which occurred on Alakia Old Road on Tuesday, has triggered outrage among residents and widespread 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 incident as “sad, shocking, and painful.”
The government stressed that the tragedy was “completely avoidable,” explaining that it arose from a traffic violation committed by the pupil’s father, who was driving against the flow of traffic.
According to the statement, at approximately 7:30 a.m., “the father of the deceased was driving a tinted black Honda Accord (registration number FST 639 JU) in the wrong direction.
“While attempting to stop him, a police officer — now under investigation — fired a shot aimed at one of the car’s tyres. The bullet, however, missed the tyre and struck the student inside the vehicle, causing fatal injuries.”
The government clarified that, contrary to social media reports suggesting the police were chasing a suspected internet fraudster, the incident occurred during a routine traffic enforcement operation by the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), supported by the police.
The enforcement drive had been launched in response to frequent violations of one-way traffic rules along Alakia Old Road, which had previously resulted in several deaths and serious injuries.
The government also noted that police support had become necessary due to increasing assaults on OYRTMA officers, including a recent case in which a traffic offender killed an official in Ibadan.
It assured the public that it would collaborate with the Oyo State Police Command to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Residents have been urged to remain calm as the authorities continue to address the issue, with the government reiterating the importance of adhering to traffic regulations.
The tragic event sparked immediate unrest in the Alakia–Gbagi area of Ibadan, particularly as it occurred during the busy morning rush hour.
In protest, an angry crowd carried the boy’s body to the Oyo State Secretariat, demanding justice and government action.
Eyewitnesses reported that the police officer fired the shot in an effort to stop the fleeing vehicle.
One observer said, “The officer was trying to stop the car, but he fired and hit the boy instead. It all happened so quickly along Gbagi Market Road.”
The child was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
As of the time of reporting, the police had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.