The Oyo State Government has initiated an investigation into the police officer responsible for shooting and killing a secondary school student during a routine traffic operation in Ibadan.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday along Alakia Old Road, has sparked outrage among residents and prompted calls for justice. Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, issued a statement expressing the government's condolences to the bereaved family, describing the event as "sad, shocking and painful."

According to the government statement, the tragedy unfolded around 7:30 a.m. when the father of the deceased student was driving a tinted black Honda Accord car (registration number FST 639 JU) against traffic. During attempts to apprehend the driver for the traffic violation, a police officer fired a shot aimed at one of the car's tyres. The bullet missed its intended target and instead struck the student inside the vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries.

The government clarified that contrary to circulating reports suggesting the police were pursuing a suspected internet fraudster, the shooting occurred during a planned enforcement operation against traffic violations. The operation was a joint effort by the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority (OYRTMA) with police support.

"The operation was launched following complaints about frequent one-way traffic breaches along Alakia Old Road, which had previously resulted in deaths and serious injuries," the statement explained. "The backup from the police became necessary after assaults on OYRTMA officials and the recent killing of one official by a traffic offender in Ibadan."

While emphasizing that the incident was "totally avoidable," the government noted that it stemmed from a traffic violation committed by the father of the deceased. The police officer involved in the shooting is currently under investigation as authorities work to determine the appropriate course of action.

The incident has heightened concerns about police conduct during routine law enforcement operations and raised questions about appropriate use of force during traffic stops.