IBADAN — Tragedy struck in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as a 17-year-old student, Taiwo Alade, was reportedly killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer.
The deceased, a candidate in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), was on his way to sit for his examination when the incident occurred along Gbagi Market Road. He was in a vehicle with his twin brother and their father when the bullet struck him.
Eyewitness accounts claim that police officers were in pursuit of a vehicle suspected of traffic violations and opened fire during the chase. One of the bullets allegedly hit the student, who was seated in the front passenger seat. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.
The incident sparked widespread outrage across the city. Youths and community members staged a protest in front of the Oyo State Government Secretariat, demanding justice and condemning police recklessness. They carried placards with messages such as “Stop Killing Our Future” and “Justice for Taiwo.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, in a statement, described the incident as “sad and avoidable,” and assured the public that the state government would work with law enforcement authorities to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also condemned the killing and demanded swift justice for the victim’s family, calling for reforms in police engagement protocols, especially in civilian-populated areas.
The Nigeria Police Force has yet to release an official statement on the incident, though sources say an internal investigation has commenced.
The tragedy has once again ignited national conversations around police reform, excessive use of force, and the safety of schoolchildren.
