The Oyo State Government has confirmed that the police officer who fatally shot a secondary schoolboy during a routine traffic operation in Ibadan is currently under investigation.
The incident, which occurred on Alakia Old Road on Tuesday, has sparked outrage among residents and calls for justice.
In a press release signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, the government expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, describing the event as “sad, shocking and painful.”
The government emphasised that the incident was “totally avoidable,” explaining that it stemmed from a traffic violation committed by the father of the deceased, who was driving against traffic.
The statement noted that around 7:30 a.m., “the father of the slain boy was driving a tinted black Honda Accord car (registration number FST 639 JU) against traffic.
The government clarified that contrary to circulating reports that the police were pursuing a suspected internet fraudster, the shooting “occurred during a routine crackdown on traffic violations by the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority, with police support. It assured the public that it would work closely with the Oyo State Police Command to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting and ensure accountability.
