A heartbreaking incident has unfolded in Alaakia, Ibadan, where a secondary school student on his way to write his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) was reportedly shot dead by a stray police bullet.
The tragedy occurred on Monday morning along Akala Expressway when officers of the Nigerian Police Force allegedly opened fire during a high-speed pursuit of a Hilux vehicle suspected to be occupied by internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys.”
According to eyewitness accounts, the student, who was seated in his father’s car en route to his exam centre, was hit by a bullet intended for the fleeing suspects. The victim died instantly, sparking immediate outrage across social media and within the local community.Popular Ibadan-based journalist Oriyomi Hamzat was seen at the scene, where distressed bystanders gathered, demanding justice and swift accountability from the Nigerian police.
Calls for an immediate investigation have intensified as the story spreads, with many Nigerians expressing deep sorrow and anger over the increasing number of innocent lives lost to alleged police recklessness.
This tragic incident adds to the growing concerns about police use of force in Nigeria and the dangers posed to uninvolved civilians during high-speed chases and open-fire pursuits.
The identity of the student has not yet been officially released as authorities begin their inquiry.
Social media is flooded with tributes and the hashtag #JusticeForWAECStudent has begun trending.
Shola Akinyele
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