The Egbeda Local Government Traditional Council in Ibadan has condemned the reckless use of firearms by police after a student was killed by a stray bullet, urging immediate retraining and transparent investigation

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Egbeda Local Government Traditional Council in Ibadan, Oyo State, has strongly condemned the reckless use of firearms by police officers and called for immediate retraining and sensitisation of personnel on responsible weapon handling.

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This comes after a student was tragically killed by a stray bullet, allegedly fired by a police officer, while on his way to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred on Gbagi market road in Ibadan, prompting outrage and sorrow across the community.

High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, the Acting Chairman and representative of the Olubadan in the Egbeda Traditional Council, released a statement in Ibadan, describing the student’s death as a profound loss to his family, the traditional council, and the future of society.

“We received with deep shock and sorrow the devastating news of the killing of an SSS 3 student by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a wild chase of a traffic offender within our community,” Chief Alli stated.

The life of every citizen, especially our children, must be treated as sacred. It is unacceptable that a child, filled with dreams and potential, would be cut down in such a senseless and avoidable manner.

He further added, “As a council, we condemn in strong terms the reckless use of firearms in civilian areas, particularly in school zones and residential communities.

The life of every citizen, especially our children, must be treated as sacred. It is unacceptable that a child, filled with dreams and potential, would be cut down in such a senseless and avoidable manner.”

The council urged the Nigeria Police Force and all relevant authorities to launch a thorough and transparent investigation into the tragic incident.

They demanded that the officer responsible be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law, and called for appropriate compensation and support for the bereaved family.

Chief Alli emphasised the paramount importance of human life, stating, “No pursuit or operation should be worth the life of an innocent citizen.”

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On behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, and the Council, he extended heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family and the affected school community.