By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Rising to the occasion, Oyo State government has commiserated with the family of a secondary school boy slain during a routine traffic infraction operation on Alakia Old Road, Ibadan, the state capital, describing the incident as sad, shocking and painful.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the state governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, government stated that it would work with the State Police Command to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.
The government noted that the incident was totally avoidable, noting how what started as a traffic offence, with the father of the slain boy driving against traffic, resulted in the loss of an innocent life.
It charged residents to remain calm as the police and the government handle the situation, while it also warned residents against breaking traffic rules.
The state government clarified that contrary to claims that the incident occurred while the police were chasing a suspected internet fraudster, the incident actually occurred during a routine operation against traffic infraction, carried out by men of the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Authority (OYRTMA).
According to the government, OYRTMA officials, in conjunction with a team from the police, embarked on the traffic operation on Alakia Old Road, following complaints from residents over constant one-way traffic violations that have led to deaths and life-threatening injuries on the axis.
It explained that the backup from the police became imperative following assaults on OYRTMA officials and a recent killing of one official in Ibadan by a traffic offender.
The government maintained that the father of the slain boy drove a tinted black Honda Accord car with registration number FST 639 JU against the traffic at around 7:30 a.m.
It further explained that it was during an attempt to apprehend the traffic offender that a policeman, who is already being investigated by the Oyo State Police Command, allegedly aimed a shot at one of the tyres of the car, which missed the target.
Protests Rock Ibadan
Recall that there were protests in Ibadan, on Tuesday, May 20, as a secondary school student, Paul Kehinde Alade, on his way to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), was shot by a policeman.
Eyewitnesses has reported,at the time, that the officer, in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle from the Gbagi Market road, opened fire in an attempt to stop a suspected ‘tokunbo’ vehicle.
One of the bullets allegedly missed its target and struck the schoolboy who was in his father’s car alongside his twin brother.
The boy was said to have been immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.
According to eyewitnesses, the deceased and his twin were en route to their examination centre at the time of the incident.
Sympathizers and traders at the scene, in protest, were said to have taken the boy’s remains to the State Secretariat, where they demanded immediate justice and sought audience with State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Rep Alabi Vows Not To Be Silent On the Matter
Reacting to the development, the lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Akin Alabi, expressed deep concern, identifying the boy as Paul Alade.
He called for immediate and thorough investigation into the matter.
In a statement by his media aide, Hameed Ramadan, on Tuesday, the lawmaker condemned “this unfortunate incident” and called for an “immediate and transparent investigation by the State Police Command, the identification and suspension of the officer involved, pending a full inquiry.”
“This is an extremely painful and avoidable tragedy. A young life, full of promise, has been lost in a senseless manner. As a representative of the people, I will not remain silent.
“I demand a full investigation and accountability from the security agencies involved,” Hon. Alabi stated.
He further appealed for calm among residents while assuring the public that his office would follow up on the matter and stand with the family during this difficult time.
“Our children deserve to go to school in peace and return home safely. No parent should ever have to bury a child under such circumstances,” he said.
Hon. Alabi, the statement added, extended “his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire community.”
