Society Gist
By Gite Igiehon
A tragic incident has thrown a community in Oyo State into mourning after a secondary school student writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) was killed by a stray bullet.
The heartbreaking event occurred on Sunday in the Ajowa area of the state capital, Ibadan, when security operatives reportedly opened fire during an attempt to disperse a crowd in a tense situation. The student, whose identity has not been officially disclosed, was said to be on her way home from a church service when the bullet struck her.
Eyewitnesses say the stray bullet came from a confrontation between security forces and suspected hoodlums in the area. Unfortunately, the teenager, full of promise and on the cusp of completing her secondary school education, became an unintended victim of the chaos.
Her death has sparked widespread grief and outrage, with residents calling for justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the shooting. Social media has also been awash with tributes and calls for accountability from concerned Nigerians.
Reacting to the tragic incident, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the family of the deceased. In a statement released by his media aide, the governor described the death as “avoidable and heartbreaking,” vowing to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“I am devastated by the news of the untimely death of a young WASSCE candidate due to a stray bullet. No parent should have to endure such pain, especially during what should have been a moment of academic milestone and pride,” the statement read.
Governor Makinde also directed relevant authorities to conduct a full investigation and assured the public that the state would not tolerate any form of reckless conduct from security personnel or civilians.
Human rights groups and educational advocates have also weighed in, condemning the incident and emphasizing the need for better crowd control measures and the protection of students, especially during critical examination periods.
As the community prepares for the burial of the young student, many are left with a sense of sorrow over a life cut short too soon — a painful reminder of the need for stronger safeguards in both public safety and youth protection.
