WAEC Student Shot Dead by Nigeria Police Officer in Ibadan
A 17-year-old student on his way to sit for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) was tragically shot dead by a stray bullet fired by policemen chasing a vehicle in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The incident occurred early Tuesday morning near Gbagi Market Road, sending shockwaves across the state and sparking protests at the Oyo State Government Secretariat.
What Happened?
According to multiple eyewitnesses and SaharaReporters, the deceased was being driven by his father from Adegbayi to the exam centre when the fatal shooting occurred. He was accompanied by his twin brother.
The student was inside a private vehicle when police officers, reportedly from Alabata Police Station, began pursuing a driver who had allegedly violated traffic rules. In the course of the chase, officers allegedly fired indiscriminately. A stray bullet pierced the back of the student’s car and struck him.
The victim was immediately rushed to Welfare Hospital in Alakia, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
WAEC Student Shot Dead: Eyewitness Accounts
A witness, Ayodele, shared chilling details:
“We were at the airport area when we saw a car being chased by the police. One of the officers raised his gun and fired. The boy was inside the car with his father when it happened. The car was coming from Aba-Ode and heading toward Olatundun. The driver saw the police and tried to turn back, but the officers pursued and opened fire.”
A video circulating online shows bloodstains inside the car, reinforcing the tragic scene that has left many in mourning.
Family and Community in Grief
A relative of the victim confirmed the identity of the student, stating:
“The boy is my younger brother’s son. His father was taking him to write his WAEC exam. They were twins. Now, one is dead.”
She added that officers from the Gbagi division arrived later but distanced themselves from the shooting, claiming the responsible officer had already fled the scene.
“They said the officer was from Alabata Police Station. He ran off and tried to hide at the Air Force police station, but they denied him entry. He then escaped to the Air Force base,” she narrated.
Also Read : WAEC Digital Certificate Portal 2025: Requirements, Cost, and How to Retrieve Your Certificate Online
Allegations also emerged that the police prioritized recovering their patrol van over saving the student’s life.
Protests at the Oyo State Secretariat
In response to the killing, angry protesters marched with the deceased’s body to the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, demanding justice and accountability. The demonstrators blocked access to the government premises and called on Governor Seyi Makinde to address the growing incidence of police recklessness.
Medical Worker Assaulted During Chaos
Dr. Adeyoju Ayinla, a hospital staff member who tried to resuscitate the victim, was reportedly assaulted by unknown individuals during the chaos.
“It was a stray bullet. It hit him in the waist, and he died before we could save him,” said Dr. Ayinla.
He explained his injuries:
“A group of people hit me with sticks while I was trying to help. There were nine of them. I managed to hold one of them to prevent more violence.”
The doctor is currently recovering from the injuries, and security personnel are said to be monitoring the situation.
Police Yet to Respond
As of press time, Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso has not responded to multiple inquiries. Calls and messages were left unanswered.
This silence has only fueled public anger, especially as the tragic death of a promising young Nigerian has become another stark reminder of the impunity and unprofessionalism that continue to plague some members of the Nigeria Police Force.
A Call for Justice
Human rights groups, civil society organizations, and education advocates are calling for:
- Immediate identification and prosecution of the officer responsible
- Transparent investigation by an independent panel
- Compensation for the grieving family
- Institutional police reform to prevent future tragedies
What you should know
The fatal shooting of a 17-year-old WAEC candidate by trigger-happy police officers in Ibadan has sparked national outrage. As calls for justice grow louder, the state government and law enforcement agencies are under pressure to act swiftly and restore public confidence.
Thank you for reading this report on TJ News Nigeria. Stay with us for verified updates on the WAEC student shot dead by a Nigeria Police officer in Ibadan.
