By Dayo Dare
Residents of the Gbagi area in Oyo State were rocked by the tragic death of 15-year-old Taiwo, who was killed by a stray bullet on Tuesday along Gbagi Market Road in Egbeda Local Government Area. The victim was in his father’s car, en route to his WAEC examination center, when he was struck by a bullet fired by a police officer.
Taiwo was rushed to Welfare Hospital in Alakia before being transferred to University College Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The devastating incident left his father inconsolable.
“I couldn’t believe that my son is dead. We left home together, full of life and assurance that he would excel in his exams.
Now, I am carrying his lifeless body around town. I was informed that the officer was chasing a driver who allegedly evaded arrest. But that should not justify my son’s death.”
His twin brother—who was with him when the incident occurred—recalled the harrowing moment.
“We were sitting together in the back seat when we heard gunshots from behind.
I was shocked to see blood oozing from my brother’s side. I thought he could be saved, but it was too late—he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.”
Many residents noted that the tragic event could have been avoided, as the shooting reportedly stemmed from a traffic violation.
One source, identified simply as Ajani, said, “A police officer opened fire while chasing a fleeing vehicle. One of the bullets reportedly hit the student. The victim was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.”
Another eyewitness said, “The deceased was on his way to the examination centre alongside his twin brother when the tragedy happened.”
Although several conflicting reports circulated about what led to the incident, the Oyo State Government, in a statement by the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, clarified that the shooting occurred during a routine operation against a traffic infraction—contrary to initial claims that the officer was pursuing a suspected internet fraudster. The operation was carried out by personnel from the State Road Traffic Management Authority.
The student’s death sparked outrage among youths and residents, who marched to the state secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, with the victim’s lifeless body, demanding justice and calling on Governor Makinde to intervene.
The government extended its condolences to the grieving family and confirmed that the officer responsible for the shooting is currently in custody and under investigation. The Nigerian Police also issued a statement confirming that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for law enforcement reforms, particularly in the use of force during routine operations. The death of a promising young student, on his way to write a life-defining exam, is a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of careless policing. As investigations proceed, the public awaits not just answers—but accountability.
