The Oyo State Government has clarified that the tragic death of a secondary school student during a routine traffic enforcement operation on Alakia Old Ife Road, Ibadan, was not connected to any attempt to arrest an internet fraud suspect, contrary to social media speculation.
The government described the incident as sad, shocking, and painful.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government described the incident as “sad, shocking, and painful,” adding that it was completely avoidable.
“We sympathize with the bereaved family during this difficult time,” the government said. “This is a painful loss, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
According to the statement, the fatal incident happened when officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, accompanied by police personnel, were conducting a routine operation to address frequent one-way violations on the road — a problem that had allegedly led to multiple fatalities and serious injuries.
The statement clarified that contrary to speculation on social media, the operation was not targeted at an internet fraud suspect but was a scheduled traffic enforcement exercise.
The government said the involvement of police officers was necessary due to past violent attacks on OYRTMA personnel, including the recent killing of one official by a traffic violator.
Detailing the sequence of events, the government revealed that the boy’s father had been driving a black, tinted Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU against traffic when he was stopped. During the attempt to halt the vehicle, a police officer allegedly fired a shot aiming at the car’s tyres, but the bullet missed and struck the student instead.
“The officer involved is currently under investigation by the Oyo State Police Command,” the statement confirmed. “We urge residents to remain calm while the matter is thoroughly investigated.”
The government also used the opportunity to caution the public against flouting traffic rules, emphasizing that enforcement efforts aim to protect lives and improve road safety.
“The state will continue to enforce its traffic laws responsibly and fairly, but we appeal to all residents to support these efforts by obeying road regulations,” the statement added.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.