Tragedy Strikes In Ibadan As Police Stray Bullet Kills Student During Vehicle Chase.
A heartbreaking incident occurred this morning along Gbagi Market Road in Ibadan, where a secondary school student was fatally struck by a stray bullet during a police pursuit. The student, who was en route to sit his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams, was pronounced dead on arrival at Welfare Hospital.
According to eyewitness accounts, the tragedy unfolded when police officers, in pursuit of a Hilux vehicle suspected to be carrying “yahoo boys” (a term often used to describe internet fraudsters), opened fire in an attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle. One of the bullets tragically struck the student, who was travelling in his father’s car alongside his twin sibling. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents, with many questioning the conduct of the police during the chase.
Posts on X reported the devastating event, with users expressing grief and anger. One post stated, “Nigerian police allegedly chased suspected ‘yahoo boys’ in a car this morning at Alakia, Ibadan, firing at their tyres, but tragically hit a secondary school student heading to his WAEC exam by ‘mistake’”. Another account noted that the student was rushed to Welfare Hospital but could not be saved.
In response to the tragedy, a group of protesters, including grieving family members and community members, carried the student’s body to the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, to demand justice and bring the incident to the attention of Governor Seyi Makinde. The demonstration underscored the community’s anguish and their call for a thorough investigation into the actions of the police officers involved.
The Oyo State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, the reports on X indicate that local broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat was present at the scene, amplifying the community’s demand for accountability.
This tragic event comes at a time when Governor Makinde has publicly addressed security concerns in the state. Just last week, on 13 May 2025, the governor declared that Oyo State had “won the war against insecurity,” citing improvements in safety across the region. However, earlier this year, on 7 January 2025, Makinde raised concerns about bandits fleeing military operations in the North-West and seeking refuge in Oyo, particularly in villages near Fashola. The governor has consistently vowed to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice, as seen in his response to other incidents, such as the prosecution of those responsible for the Bodija explosion in January 2024.
The loss of a young student, on his way to a critical academic milestone, has cast a sombre shadow over Ibadan. Residents are calling for immediate action to address police conduct and prevent such tragedies in the future. As the community mourns, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability to ensure justice for the victim and his family.
The Oyo State government has not yet commented on this specific incident, but the public outcry and protest at the Secretariat are likely to prompt an official response. Further updates are expected as investigations proceed.
Note: This article is based on eyewitness reports
