The Oyo State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of a secondary school student who was fatally struck by a stray bullet during a traffic stop in the Alakia area of Ibadan on Tuesday morning.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, the government described the incident as “sad, shocking, and painful,” assuring the family of the deceased that justice would be served.
The government revealed that the fatal incident occurred during a routine traffic operation at Alakia, Old Ife Road, conducted by officials of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) in conjunction with a police team.
According to the statement, the father of the victim was driving a tinted black Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU against traffic at about 7:30 a.m. when the tragic incident happened.
“The government has been briefed that the driver—father of the deceased—was flagged down for violating traffic rules. Unfortunately, in the process of attempting to stop the vehicle, a policeman allegedly fired a shot aimed at the tyre but missed, striking the young boy fatally instead,” the statement said.
Contrary to some media reports, the government denied claims that the police were chasing an internet fraudster during the incident.
“This was not a police chase. It was a coordinated traffic operation following public complaints of motorists frequently violating traffic rules in that area,” Dr. Olanrewaju clarified.
He urged the public to remain calm as the government collaborates with the Oyo State Police Command to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the erring officer faces the full weight of the law.
“We have zero tolerance for such avoidable tragedies, especially when it leads to the death of an innocent child. The government is committed to ensuring that whoever is responsible for this reckless action is held accountable,” the statement read.
While expressing condolences to the grieving family, the government also reiterated its appeal to road users to comply with traffic laws and avoid putting their lives—and those of others—at risk.
