The Ibadan Book Club has condemned the fatal shooting of a student in Ibadan, Oyo State, by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer while the victim was on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The incident, which occurred under unclear circumstances, has sparked widespread outrage across the city and among stakeholders in the education and human rights communities.
According to reports, the student, whose identity has yet to be officially released, was being driven to his examination centre by his father when a stray bullet, fired by a member of the Nigerian Police Force, struck him fatally. Eyewitness accounts suggest the shooting was unprovoked and point to gross negligence on the part of the officer involved.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan, which was obtained by PERISCOPE NIGERIA the founder of the Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, described the killing as a “senseless and avoidable tragedy” and a stark reminder of the ongoing lack of professionalism and accountability within the police force.
“The loss of such a young, promising life in this manner is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” the statement read. “This student had a future ahead, dreams to chase, and a life to build. His journey was cut short not by fate, but by the carelessness of those paid to safeguard lives.”
The group emphasized that the incident was not only a personal tragedy for the victim’s family but also a national disgrace, further eroding public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Ibadan Book Club called on the Oyo State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, identify and prosecute the officer responsible, and take decisive steps to prevent similar tragedies.
“The era of impunity must end. We cannot continue to bury our children because of institutional recklessness,” Adedoyin stated.
The Club also extended condolences to the grieving family and urged them to remain strong amid their loss. “Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased. We mourn with you, and we demand that his death will not be in vain.”
Beyond seeking justice, the Book Club called on civil society groups, education stakeholders, and human rights organizations to demand urgent police reforms, particularly in the areas of firearm handling and engagement with civilians.
“This tragic death must serve as a wake-up call to our leaders,” the Club said. “Our students should be nurtured, protected, and supported—not gunned down on their way to examinations. We owe them a better country.”
The Club also urged the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant agencies to monitor the case closely, ensure the victim’s family receives justice and compensation, and push for systemic changes to prevent future occurrences.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice and youth advocacy, the Ibadan Book Club called for a national conversation on safeguarding the lives and aspirations of Nigerian students, stressing that the tragedy should galvanise efforts to reform policing and restore public confidence.
