Monarchs Urge Police to Sensitize Officers Following Tragic Stray Bullet Incident in Ibadan

Traditional rulers in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State have called on the Nigeria Police Force to intensify the sensitization and retraining of its personnel on the responsible handling of firearms. This appeal follows the tragic death of a 15-year-old student, Taiwo, who was fatally struck by a stray bullet while en route to his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) center in the Gbagi area of Ibadan.

The incident, which occurred during a police operation targeting Taiwo’s father, has sparked widespread outrage and grief within the community. Eyewitnesses reported that the teenager was caught in the crossfire as officers attempted to apprehend his father, who was allegedly evading arrest.

In a joint statement, the monarchs expressed deep sorrow over the loss and emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to prioritize the safety of innocent civilians during operations. “We urge the police to conduct thorough investigations into this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” the statement read. “Furthermore, there is an urgent need to retrain and sensitize officers on the appropriate use of firearms to prevent such avoidable tragedies.”

The Oyo State Police Command has acknowledged the incident and stated that an internal investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances leading to the student’s death. The command also assured the public of its commitment to upholding justice and maintaining public trust.

Community leaders and residents have organized peaceful protests, demanding transparency in the investigation and the implementation of measures to prevent future occurrences. Civil society organizations have also joined in calling for comprehensive reforms within the police force, including regular training on human rights and the use of non-lethal force.

As the community mourns the untimely death of Taiwo, there is a collective call for systemic changes to ensure that law enforcement operations do not endanger the lives of the very citizens they are meant to protect.