STRAY BULLET: MONARCHS URGE POLICE TO EDUCATE, TRAIN THEIR PERSONNEL

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By: Motunrayo Aniwura

The Egbeda Local Government Traditional Council in Ibadan, Oyo State, has urged the police to undergo retraining and awareness programs focused on the responsible use of firearms.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the council emphasized the importance of exercising caution and professionalism while carrying out their duties. They strongly condemned the careless use of firearms in civilian areas, particularly near schools and residential neighborhoods.

This call was made in a statement by High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, Acting Chairman and representative of the Olubadan in the Egbeda Traditional Council, following a tragic incident in which a student was allegedly killed by a stray bullet fired by a police officer.

The student, who was on his way to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination organized by WAEC, was shot on Tuesday morning near Gbagi market road in Ibadan.

Alli, who also serves as the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, described the incident as a heartbreaking loss for the victim’s family, the traditional council, and society as a whole.

He stated, “We received with deep shock and sorrow the devastating news of the killing of an SSS 3 student by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a wild chase of a traffic offender within our community.

“As a council, we condemn in strong terms the reckless use of firearms in civilian areas, particularly in school zones and residential communities.

“The life of every citizen, especially our children, must be treated as sacred. It is unacceptable that a child, filled with dreams and potential, would be cut down in such a senseless and avoidable manner.

“Furthermore, we urge security agencies to retrain and sensitise their personnel on the responsible handling of firearms and the need for utmost caution and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.”

He, therefore, called on the Nigeria Police Force and all relevant authorities to launch a thorough and transparent investigation into this tragic incident.

The acting chairman also called for the identification of the officer responsible for the killing and made to face the full wrath of the law.

While demanding appropriate compensation and support for the bereaved family, whose pain and loss cannot be quantified, Alli said, “No pursuit or operation should be worth the life of an innocent citizen.”

He sympathised, on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin and the Council, with the grieving family and the school community.