The Oyo State Government has given explanation on the circumstances that led to the death of a student who was fatally hit by a stray bullet while on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government described the incident as “sad, shocking, and painful,” and emphasized that it was a tragedy that could have been avoided.
According to the government, the student was a passenger in a tinted black Honda Accord, with registration number FST 639 JU, being driven by his father, who was reportedly driving against the flow of traffic around 7:30 a.m. along Alakia Old Road.
The statement explained that officials of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), supported by a team of police officers, were carrying out a traffic enforcement operation in the area in response to mounting complaints from residents.
The complaints centered on frequent one-way traffic violations along the route, which residents claimed had led to multiple deaths and life-threatening injuries.
“The backup from the police became imperative following assaults on OYRTMA officials and a recent killing of one official in Ibadan by a traffic offender,” the statement noted.
It further added: “The father of the slain boy drove a tinted black Honda Accord car with registration number FST 639 JU against the traffic at around 7:30 a.m.
"It was during an attempt to apprehend the traffic offender that a policeman, who is already being investigated by the state police command, allegedly aimed a shot at one of the tyres of the car, which missed the target and struck the student.”
While urging residents to remain calm, the government stressed the need for adherence to traffic rules to avoid preventable tragedies.
“We urge residents to stay calm while the police and the government work together to handle the situation,” the statement read. “We also warn against breaking traffic rules, which can lead to dire consequences.”
The government assured the public that a full investigation is underway and that appropriate action would be taken. It reiterated its commitment to justice, road safety, and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The statement concluded with condolences to the family of the deceased and a pledge to strengthen enforcement operations to protect lives on the state’s roads.
