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By Abiola Olawale
A tragic incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, has sparked widespread protests after a West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) student was struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer.
The student, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly on his way to an examination centre when the alleged incident occurred along Gbagi Market Road in the Alaakia area of Ibadan.
According to eyewitnesses, the student was riding on his father’s motorcycle, accompanied by his twin brother, en route to sit for a WAEC examination when a police officer, in pursuit of a vehicle suspected to be driven by fraudsters, allegedly opened fire.
A stray bullet struck the student, who was immediately rushed to Welfare Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
In response to the tragedy, some youths and community members took to the streets, carrying the student’s body to the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi to demand justice and accountability.
Protesters called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to intervene, urging swift action against the officer responsible and broader reforms to address police misconduct.
The demonstration disrupted activities in the area, with traders and residents joining the call for an end to police brutality.
Meanwhile, as of press time, authorities have not released an official statement on the incident.