Oyo govt reacts to alleged killing of pupil by policeman

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has ordered a full investigation into the alleged killing of a school pupil by a police officer during a traffic enforcement operation in Ibadan on Tuesday morning.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, the government expressed condolences to the bereaved family and clarified that the incident occurred during a routine operation by officials of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), in collaboration with the police, to curb traffic violations.

The government pledged to work closely with the Oyo State Police Command to investigate the incident and ensure that justice is served.

According to the statement, the tragic event stemmed from a traffic offence committed by the victim’s father, who was allegedly driving against traffic.

“The father of the deceased was driving a black, tinted Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU against traffic around 7:30 a.m. at Alakia, Old Ife Road,” the statement read.

It further explained that, in an attempt to stop the vehicle, a police officer allegedly aimed at one of the car’s tyres but missed and fatally struck the boy.

The state government urged residents to remain calm, assuring that both the police and government authorities are taking the matter seriously. It also warned the public against violating traffic laws.