The government of Oyo State has opened up on the sad death of a WAEC candidate in Ibadan who was killed by a stray bullet.
It said the victim’s father was driving against traffic when the fatal incident occurred.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, the government explained that the unfortunate event took place during a routine traffic enforcement operation by law enforcement officers along Alakia Road in Ibadan.
A police officer according to the statement, fired a shot aimed at the vehicle’s tyre in an attempt to stop the traffic violation.
Tragically, a stray bullet struck the student, who was on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
News Band gathered that the student was riding on a motorcycle with his father and twin brother when the shooting occurred.
While providing clarification on the incident, Olanrewaju said the operation was part of efforts to curb one-way driving violations on the Alakia Old Road, which had been reported to cause multiple accidents and injuries.
He explained that the student’s father was driving a tinted black Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU against traffic when he was intercepted by the enforcement team.
In an attempt to stop the vehicle, one of the police officers fired at the tyre, but the bullet missed and struck the student instead.
“The state government clarifies that contrary to claims that the incident occurred while the police were chasing a suspected Internet fraudster, the incident occurred during a routine operation against traffic infraction, carried out by men of the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority,” Olanrewaju said.
“According to the government, OYRTMA officials, in conjunction with a team from the police, embarked on the traffic operation on Alakia Old Road following complaints from residents over constant one-way traffic violations that have led to deaths and life-threatening injuries on the axis.”
He added that the police officer involved has been identified and is currently under investigation by the Oyo State Police Command.
The state government has extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that it will work closely with the police to ensure justice is served. Olanrewaju also urged citizens to remain calm and to obey traffic regulations.
