A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday morning in Ibadan, Oyo State, as a teenage candidate on his way to sit for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exam was fatally struck by a stray bullet fired by a police officer during a high-speed chase.
The incident occurred along Gbagi Market Road when police officers opened fire while pursuing a vehicle suspected to belong to internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Boys.” Eyewitnesses say the officer’s bullet missed its intended target and hit the student, who was reportedly riding on a motorcycle with his twin brother.
Initial reports claimed the student was in his father’s vehicle at the time of the shooting, but multiple accounts confirm he was en route to his examination centre when the tragedy struck. The victim was quickly rushed to Welfare Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The shocking incident sparked outrage among residents and traders in the area. In a powerful protest, sympathisers carried the boy’s body to the Oyo State Government Secretariat, demanding justice and urgent police reform.
As tensions rose, security operatives were deployed to the Secretariat’s entrance to manage the crowd and maintain order.
As of the time of filing this report, both the Oyo State Police Command and the state government have yet to issue an official statement regarding the shooting. Protests are ongoing, with citizens calling for accountability and a review of police engagement protocols to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
