Traditional rulers under the Egbeda Local Government Traditional Council in Ibadan, Oyo State, have called on the Nigeria Police Force to prioritise the retraining and sensitisation of its officers, particularly on the safe and responsible handling of firearms.
The council expressed serious concern over what it described as the growing trend of indiscriminate use of firearms by law enforcement personnel in civilian-populated areas.
It urged police authorities to ensure professionalism and caution, especially in sensitive locations such as schools and residential neighborhoods.
This appeal was made public through a statement issued by High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, the Acting Chairman of the Egbeda Traditional Council and representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The statement followed the tragic death of a student allegedly hit by a stray bullet fired by a police officer during a vehicle pursuit on Tuesday morning.
According to earlier reports, the victim, a secondary school student on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), was fatally struck along the Gbagi Market Road in Ibadan.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking, Chief Alli, who also holds the title of Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, said the loss was not just personal to the grieving family but also a blow to the entire traditional institution and the promise of the younger generation.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of an SSS 3 student who lost his life to a stray bullet reportedly fired by a police officer during a chase. This happened within our community, and we strongly condemn such reckless conduct,” he stated.
He further stressed the importance of treating every Nigerian life—especially that of children—as sacred. “It is a tragedy that a young life filled with potential was ended so senselessly and avoidably. No law enforcement operation should come at the cost of innocent lives.”
The council urged the police to immediately initiate a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident. Chief Alli also called for the identification and prosecution of the officer responsible, insisting that justice must be served.
He demanded fair compensation and support for the family of the deceased, noting that while no amount of aid can replace the life lost, the government must acknowledge the gravity of the incident.
On behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, and the entire traditional council, Chief Alli extended heartfelt condolences to the affected family and the student’s school community.
