THE TRAGIC INCIDENT IN IBADAN: WILL JUSTICE BE SERVED?
A police officer's stray bullet killed a student heading to his WASSCE exam in Ibadan, Nigeria. The officer claimed to be chasing a suspect, but the incident raises questions about police accountability and restraint. The tragedy sparked outrage, with demands for justice and government intervention. The state government promised a thorough investigation, but many remain skeptical. Will justice be served?
Emilia O. 
On the 20th of May, 2025, a stray bullet killed a student who was on his way to the examination center to sit for the ongoing West African Senior Secondary School Examination (WASSCE), organized by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), in Oyo state, Ibadan.
The unfortunate and truly heartbreaking incident happened on Gbagi market road, in the Egbeda local government area of the state, when a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer in pursuit of a suspect, hit and killed the student that Tuesday morning. According to online reports, the student was in his father’s car when the bullet — fired by a police officer chasing a Hilux vehicle — struck him. One of the witnesses, identified as ‘Ajani’, said a police officer opened fire while chasing a fleeing vehicle, and sadly, one of the bullets hit the poor boy. The boy was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he was, heartbreakingly, pronounced dead on arrival. Sad, right?
Another witness claimed the tragedy happened while the boy’s father was allegedly driving a black Honda Accord (with registration number FST 639 JJ) against traffic. Upon sighting the team of officers from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and supporting police personnel, the driver — the father — reportedly tried to evade arrest. Hence, the reason for shooting, and what was the excuse for the shooting? They claimed the police officer was aiming for the car’s tire, but missed the target and hit the boy instead. So absurd!
While it’s always difficult to get the full, accurate story about how these unfortunate incidents happen, the burning question is — why should a police officer open fire in a public space? It’s honestly heartbreaking watching the same people who are meant to protect lives turn around to take them. Or is this now a normal thing within the Nigeria Police Force? Because, truth be told, if that particular officer hadn’t pulled that trigger, that poor boy would probably still be alive today.
However, in the aftermath, Irate youths, fueled by anger and grief, carried the lifeless body of the boy to the state’s secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, to demand justice and call on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene. The state government expressed sympathy for the deceased’s family, describing the incident as ‘sad’, ‘shocking’, and ‘painful’. In a statement made by the Governor’s Special Adviser, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government promised to work hand-in-hand with the state police command to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice is served. Hmn… we really hope this won’t just be another promise that fades away.
The incident was truly tragic, it left the hearts of many Nigerians shattered and quickly took over the internet. Everyone’s waiting for justice — but the question remains: will justice truly be served? Or will Nigeria happen to this family too?
