Tragedy struck yesterday in the Gbagi area of Egbeda Local Government, Ibadan, when a yet-to-be-identified police officer allegedly shot and killed a 15-year-old secondary school student named Taiwo while he was on his way to sit for a West African Examination Council (WAEC) paper.
According to eyewitnesses, Taiwo was struck by a stray bullet in the lower body while seated in the back seat of a car alongside his twin brother. Their father, who was driving them to the examination center, said the bullet penetrated the rear of the vehicle, fatally killing his son.
Narrating the harrowing experience, the grieving father said, “I couldn’t believe that my son was dead. We left home together, full of life and assurance that he would excel in his exams. Now, I am carrying his lifeless body around town.”
“I was informed that the officer was chasing a driver who allegedly evaded arrest. But that should not justify my son’s death.” The father says with tears.
READ ALSO: Suspected Serial Killer Surrenders To Police In Kano
Taiwo’s twin brother, visibly shaken, recounted the moment his brother was hit: “We were sitting together in the back seat when we heard gunshots from behind. I was shocked to see blood oozing from my brother’s side. I thought he could be saved, but it was too late. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.”
After the initial treatment at Welfare Hospital in Alakia, Taiwo was transferred to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead.
The incident sparked widespread outrage in Ibadan, with protesters marching to the Oyo State Governor’s Office Secretariat carrying the boy’s remains and demanding justice for the senseless killing.
Addressing the protesters, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters and former Commissioner of Police, Sunday Odukoya, assured that a full investigation would be launched to uncover the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State House of Assembly described the shooting as “painful and unwarranted.”
READ ALSO: Notorious Robbery Suspect Killed In Gun Battle With Police In Kano
Raising the matter during plenary as one of urgent public importance, Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola, stated that the officer had opened fire while pursuing a suspect along Gbagi Market Road, tragically resulting in Taiwo’s death.
The Assembly offered condolences to the bereaved family and the Ibadan community, calling on the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to identify and prosecute the officer responsible.
Lawmakers also recommended that the state government provide psychological support and financial compensation to the victim’s family.
In addition, the Assembly resolved to initiate a statewide awareness campaign on citizens’ rights and appropriate police conduct.
An eight-member committee, led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, was constituted to interface with the state police leadership and report back to the House.
READ ALSO: Police Nab Herbalist For Ritual Murder Of A Young Boy
Father Was Evading Arrest—Police
Providing details on the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, explained that police officers were carrying out a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) when they noticed a vehicle driving against the flow of traffic.
Osifeso stated, “Instead of obeying lawful instructions, the driver allegedly sped towards the enforcement team in a bid to escape, crashing into two OYTMA vehicles and a police Buffalo Patrol truck.
“To prevent further danger to officers and other road users, barricades were set up in an effort to stop the fleeing vehicle.
“Despite this, the driver reportedly forced his way through the barriers, continuing to drive dangerously and putting lives at risk.
“In an attempt to stop the vehicle, a police corporal fired at its tires. Unfortunately, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde Alade, a male passenger seated in the back seat behind the driver.
“He was immediately taken to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.”
READ ALSO: Ibadan Stampede: Court Denies Bail To Ooni’s Ex-wife, School Principal
According to Osifeso, the deceased’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
To prevent a breakdown of law and order, the Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, promptly deployed tactical and intelligence teams, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), to the scene and other key areas in Ibadan. This quick action restored calm, ensured public safety, and allowed normal activities to continue.
As of press time, the identity of the officer involved had not been disclosed. However, calls for accountability and reform in police operations have grown louder in the wake of the incident.