Traditional rulers under the Egbeda Local Government Council in Ibadan, Oyo State, have called on the Nigeria Police Force to retrain and sensitise their personnel on the responsible handling of firearms, following the tragic killing of a secondary school student by a stray bullet.
The call came in a statement released on Wednesday by the Acting Chairman of the Egbeda Traditional Council and representative of the Olubadan, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli. The statement condemned the excessive use of force in civilian areas, particularly near schools and residential zones.
Afrocover earlier reported that the student, who was heading to an examination centre to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), was fatally hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer chasing a traffic offender along Gbagi Market Road in Ibadan on Tuesday morning.
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High Chief Alli, who is also the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadan land, described the incident as a heartbreaking loss—not only to the family of the deceased but also to the traditional institution and the future of the society.
“We received with deep shock and sorrow the devastating news of the killing of an SSS 3 student by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a wild chase of a traffic offender within our community,” he said.
He added, “The life of every citizen, especially our children, must be treated as sacred. It is unacceptable that a child, filled with dreams and potential, would be cut down in such a senseless and avoidable manner.”
The council, therefore, urged the police to prioritise professionalism and restraint, insisting that no pursuit or operation should ever be worth the life of an innocent citizen.
High Chief Alli called for a thorough and transparent investigation, with the identification and prosecution of the officer responsible. He also demanded adequate compensation and support for the bereaved family.
“Furthermore, we urge security agencies to retrain and sensitise their personnel on the responsible handling of firearms and the need for utmost caution and professionalism in the discharge of their duties,” he added.
On behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, and the entire Egbeda Traditional Council, Alli extended condolences to the family of the deceased student and the school community, praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
