A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when a stray bullet claimed the life of a student en route to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) organized by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

The incident took place along the Gbagi Market Road in Egbeda Local Government Area when a police officer allegedly opened fire during a traffic enforcement operation, striking the student, who was in a car driven by his father.

Eyewitnesses said the student was accompanied by his twin brother and was heading to the exam centre when the bullet hit him. One of the sources, identified simply as Ajani, said the police were attempting to stop a black Honda Accord car reportedly driving against traffic when the fatal shot was fired.

“The police officer aimed at the car’s tyre but missed, and the bullet struck the student,” Ajani said.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

In the aftermath, angry youths carried the student’s body to the state secretariat at Agodi, Ibadan, demanding justice and the intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State Government expressed deep sorrow, describing the death as shocking and avoidable. In a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government commiserated with the bereaved family and pledged to work with the police to investigate the matter and ensure justice.

The statement explained that the incident occurred during a joint operation by the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and the police, following residents’ complaints about frequent one-way traffic violations along Alakia Old Road—violations that had previously led to fatalities.

“The driver of the car, identified as the victim’s father, was reportedly driving against traffic in a tinted black Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU around 7:30 a.m.,” the government said.

“In the process of apprehending the vehicle, a police officer allegedly fired a shot aimed at the tyre, which tragically struck the student instead.”

The government clarified that the incident was not related to a chase involving suspected internet fraudsters, as initially reported on social media.

While calling for calm, the government also cautioned residents against traffic violations and promised that those responsible would be held accountable.

“This was a painful and avoidable loss of an innocent life. The government will ensure that justice is served and that measures are taken to prevent a recurrence,” the statement added.