The Egbeda Local Government Traditional Council has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) student by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a pursuit of a traffic offender in Ibadan.
In a statement released by the Council on Tuesday, signed by the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland and Acting Chairman of the Council, High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Alli, the traditional leaders described the incident as a “tragic loss” that not only affects the bereaved family but also the wider community and the future of society.
The Egbeda Local Government Traditional Council has received with deep shock and sorrow the devastating news of the killing of a Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) student by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a wild chase of a traffic offender within our community today,” the statement read.
The Council condemned the “reckless use of firearms in civilian areas, particularly in school zones and residential communities,” adding that the life of every citizen, especially children, should be treated as sacred.
Calling for justice, the Council urged the Nigeria Police Force and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. “The officer responsible must be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law,” it stated.
The statement also called for compensation and psychological support for the victim’s family and demanded retraining and sensitisation of security personnel on the responsible handling of firearms.
No pursuit or operation should be worth the life of an innocent citizen,” the Council stressed.
The message concluded with condolences on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, and the entire Egbeda Local Government Traditional Council.
May the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may such a tragedy never befall our land again,” said High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Alli, Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland and Acting Chairman of the Council.
