The father of a WAEC student shot during a police traffic stop in Ibadan has recounted the tragic event and how the stray bullet has affected his family.
A tragic event happened in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, when a stray bullet fired by a police officer hit a young WAEC candidate at a traffic stop. The boy, Taiwo, was in a car with his father and siblings on the morning of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, when the incident occurred in the Alakia area.
The boy’s father, Odunayo Alade, shared how it all unfolded. He said they were driving when a police vehicle hit their car from behind. While he was trying to reverse, a police officer suddenly fired a shot at their car. The bullet struck Taiwo, passing through his stomach. 
Alade explained, “I was in the car with the boy and his brother this morning in the Alakia area. In the process, the police hit my car in the back. While still in a state of confusion and reversing my car, suddenly, one police officer in the area just shot at my vehicle.”
He added, “Before I knew what was going on, the police bullet hit Taiwo. I didn’t even take note, but his brothers called my attention to the fact that blood was gushing out of his body. We rushed him to one hospital but the bullet had penetrated his stomach and come out from the other side.”
The father has been caring for Taiwo and his brothers since their mother left several years ago. The loss has deeply affected him and his family.
The Oyo State government has confirmed the police officer involved is now under investigation. The police have acknowledged the death of the boy, identified as Kehinde Alade.
This case is part of growing concerns as many Nigerians have accused police officers of unjustly shooting innocent people and using excessive force.
In a similar incident, a university student named Ahenjir Emmanuella was reportedly killed by a stray bullet fired during a police stop-and-search operation in Makurdi, Benue State.
Witnesses said the police opened fire after a vehicle failed to stop, and Emmanuella, who was inside the car, was hit by the bullet.
These tragic events highlight ongoing tensions and concerns over police conduct in Nigeria.
