Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the killing of a 17-year-old student who was fatally shot by a stray bullet allegedly fired by police officers in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday while the teenager was on his way to sit for his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Sowore, in a statement on his official Facebook page, described the incident as a reminder of the growing wave of police brutality across the country.
He lamented that the young lad was fatally shot by a police stray bullet while en route to take his examination in Ibadan.
He also criticised the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, describing him as “retired, tired, and incompetent,” adding that the police force has grown more brutal under his leadership.
Sowore cautioned that meaningful reforms in policing are unlikely as long as Egbetokun remains in charge.
He said, “This young lad was fatally shot by a Nigeria Police Force stray bullet while en route to take his WAEC exam today in Ibadan, Oyo State. The escalating issue of Nigeria police brutality and bestiality has returned with full force in the last few weeks.Travel guides
“As long as retired, tired, and incompetent Kayode Egbetokun remains in charge as the Illegal General of Police, things will never change for the better.”
Funminews learnt that the incident occurred on Tuesday morning when some police officers were chasing a vehicle that had allegedly driven against traffic.
However, during the pursuit, the officers reportedly fired shots indiscriminately, and a stray bullet struck the student who was being driven to school by his father.
A video obtained shows bloodstains inside the car, indicating where the student was hit.
The victim was rushed to Welfare Hospital in Alakia, Ibadan, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.
Dozens of sympathisers were seen at the hospital, both inside and outside, consoling the grieving family.
Meanwhile, police officers were also spotted at the scene, stationed nearby in their patrol van.
An eyewitness identified as Ayodele recounted the incident, saying, “We were at the airport area when we saw a car being chased by the police. One of the officers raised his gun and fired. The boy was inside the car with his father when it happened.”
“The car was coming from Aba-Ode and heading toward Olatundun. The driver saw the police and tried to turn back, but the officers pursued and opened fire. The bullet pierced the back of the car and hit the boy,” he added.
Hospital staff later confirmed that the student died from the gunshot wound.
A victim’s relative shared more details: “The boy is my younger brother’s son. His father was driving from Adegbayi to drop him off for his WAEC exam. They were twins— now one is dead.”
“Policemen from Gbagi arrived later. When I asked why an innocent boy was killed, they said the officer who fired the shot was from Alabata Police Station. The officer fled the scene after the shooting. They said he tried to enter the Air Force police station but was denied entry. He eventually ran to the Air Force base,” she said.
“The officers told me their priority was to rescue their van, not the life of the innocent boy,” she added.
Dr. Adeyoju Ayinla, who tried to save the boy’s life, was reportedly assaulted. A video captured visible swelling on the side of his head.
“It was a stray bullet,” the doctor said. “It hit him in the waist, and he died before we could save him.”
When asked about his injuries, Dr. Ayinla explained, “A group of people hit me with sticks while I was trying to help the boy and a police officer. The rest of them ran away. There were nine in total. I managed to hold one of them, and he is under my custody for now.”
