Tension gripped Ibadan on Tuesday as angry youths staged a protest at the Oyo State Government Secretariat following the tragic killing of a student by a police stray bullet. The student, who was reportedly on his way to write the ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination, was hit by a stray bullet near Gbagi market in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to eyewitness accounts, the victim was accompanied by his father and sibling when the unfortunate incident occurred. The stray bullet was allegedly fired by a police officer who was in pursuit of a suspect. Despite being rushed to Welfare Hospital, the student was pronounced dead on arrival.

In response to the killing, protesters carried the student's lifeless body to the state secretariat, demanding immediate intervention from Governor Seyi Makinde. The demonstration highlighted growing concerns over police conduct and the use of firearms in crowded public spaces.

Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, President of Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), condemned the killing in a statement. He called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to launch a thorough investigation into the incident.

"Dear IGP and stakeholders, kindly investigate the above case as allegedly reported that a man was taking his children to school this morning and some alleged police officers and OYRTMA, while chasing Yahoo boys, and others said while chasing traffic law offenders, started shooting indiscriminately and bullet hit this little boy and killed him," Bello stated.

He further noted that "according to the report, it was confirmed that the officers conducted themselves unprofessionally which led to the death of this little boy whose father said he has been taking care of them and refused to remarry since their mother left 7 years ago."

There are conflicting reports about what prompted the police shooting, with some sources claiming officers were pursuing suspected internet fraudsters ("Yahoo boys"), while others suggest they were chasing traffic law offenders.

As of the time of this report, neither the Oyo State Police Command nor the state government has issued an official statement regarding the incident. The tragic event has once again raised questions about police protocols for firearm use in civilian areas and accountability for law enforcement actions.