“The tragedy could have been avoided,” the statement read.
IBADAN — The Oyo State Government has blamed the father of the student killed by a police stray bullet for allegedly driving against traffic near Gbagi Market, Ibadan, while escorting his twin sons to their WASSCE centre.
In a statement issued Tuesday by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, media aide to Governor Seyi Makinde, the government described the incident as “sad, shocking, and painful,” noting it occurred during a traffic operation by OYRTMA and police teams.
“The tragedy could have been avoided,” the statement read. “The father drove a black Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU against traffic around 7:30 a.m.”
The statement explained that a police officer, now under investigation, aimed at the vehicle’s tyre, but the bullet struck the student instead. He was declared dead on arrival at Welfare Hospital.
The state pledged justice and urged calm. “We also warn against breaking traffic rules,” Olanrewaju added, citing repeated assaults on traffic officials in the area.