A yet-to-be-named schoolboy was killed by a stray bullet, on Tuesday, following a misdirected shot by a poloce officer in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident, Theliberationnews gathered, occurred during a fierce altercation between a cop and a fleeing vehicle, along Gbagi Market Road.
According to eyewitness, the policeman fired a shot amiss while attempting to stop a Hilux vehicle from evading scrutiny.
The accidental discharge hit struck a SS3 boy, on his way to school in his father’s car, for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
The victim was pronounced dead on arrival at Welfare Hospital, New Gbagi area, where he was rushed to for treatment.
In the aftermath of the incident, some demonstrators took the boy’s lifeless body to the Oyo State secretariat in Agodi, seeking the attention of the state governor, Seyi Makinde. attention.
Reacting to the development, the National Association of Nigerian Students in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the NANS National President, Michael Oyewole, condemned the incident, describing it as ‘tragic and avoidable.’’
Quoting the NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, Mr Oyewole called for the immediate identification, arrest and prosecution of the policeman responsible for the incident and demanded an adequate compensation of the deceased’s family.
Oladoja stated, “This senseless and devastating incident is a painful reminder of the unchecked recklessness, brutality, and gross disregard for human life that continues to characterise certain elements within the Nigerian Police Force. That a child, who was simply pursuing his right to education and striving for a better future, could be killed in such a manner is not only heartbreaking but utterly unacceptable.’’
