The Oyo State Government has described the death of a secondary school pupil as sad, shocking, and painful.
The boy was killed during a routine traffic infraction operation on Alakia Old Road, Ibadan.
The state government stated that it would work with the Oyo State Police Command to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.
It noted that the incident was completely avoidable, pointing out that what started as a traffic offence—committed by the father of the slain boy, who was driving against traffic—tragically resulted in the loss of an innocent life.
The government urged residents to remain calm as both the police and government handle the situation, while also warning against violating traffic rules.
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It clarified that, contrary to claims that the incident occurred while the police were chasing a suspected internet fraudster, it actually took place during a routine operation targeting traffic violations, carried out by personnel of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA).
According to the government, OYRTMA officials, in conjunction with a police team, embarked on the traffic operation on Alakia Old Road following complaints from residents about persistent one-way traffic violations that had led to deaths and life-threatening injuries in the area.
It explained that police backup had become necessary due to previous assaults on OYRTMA officials, including the recent killing of one official in Ibadan by a traffic offender.
The government stated that the father of the slain boy was driving a tinted black Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JU against traffic at around 7:30 a.m.
It noted that during an attempt to apprehend the traffic offender, a police officer—who is currently under investigation by the Oyo State Police Command—allegedly aimed a shot at one of the car’s tyres but missed the target.
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