Breaking: Oyo Govt Speaks as Policemen Shoot, Kill Innocent Schoolboy in Ibadan

• 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 Oyo police command confirmed the unfortunate death of the teenager identified as Kehinde Alade
• Many Nigerians have accused the police of killing innocent people by shooting them and also torturing citizens to death

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro and public affairs.

Ibadan, Oyo state - The Oyo state government has explained what led to the tragic death of a student, Kehinde Alade, who was hit by a stray bullet.

Legit.ng had reported how the young boy was killed while on his way to an examination centre to sit the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination organised by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

Oyo govt sad over student's killing by police

According to the government, the student’s father was driving against traffic when the unfortunate incident happened, The Punch reported.

Vanguard also noted the government's explanation.

In a statement on Tuesday, May 20, by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the special adviser on media to Governor Seyi Makinde, the government described the incident as “sad, shocking and painful”, adding that it was something that could have been avoided.

Police react to Ibadan killing

Meanwhile, the Oyo state police command confirmed the tragic incident. The command also extended its "deepest condolences" to the deceased teenager.

Per a statement signed by Osifeso Adewale, the spokesperson of the police in Oyo state, the fatal traffic enforcement incident involved the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYTMA) and police personnel.

The police said:

"Rather than complying with lawful directives, the driver allegedly accelerated towards the enforcement team in an attempt to evade arrest, ramming into two OYTMA vehicles and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck.

"In an effort to prevent further damage and harm to officers and other road users, barricades were set up to demobilise the fleeing vehicle. However, the driver reportedly broke through these barricades, continuing to drive recklessly and endangering lives.

"Given the nature of the driver's conduct, officers suspected possible criminal activity or a case of abduction. A police chase ensued. In an attempt to immobilize the vehicle, a police corporal discharged a firearm aimed at the tyres. Tragically, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde Alade ‘m’, who was seated in the rear seat behind the driver. He was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival. The deceased’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation."

Legit.ng gathered that Johnson Adenola, the commissioner of police (CP) in the state, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Benue policeman reportedly kills final-year student

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian university student, Ahenjir Emmanuella, was fatally shot by a stray bullet allegedly fired by police officers during a stop-and-search operation at the Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi, the capital of Benue state.

The incident reportedly occurred when officers from the Benue state police command were conducting routine checks at the busy intersection.

Witnesses said police opened fire on a vehicle after the driver reportedly failed to stop, hitting Emmanuella, who was inside the car.

Source: Legit.ng