A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has condemned the killing of a 17-year-old student who was reportedly hit by a stray police bullet in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday.
The student, identified as Taiwo, was said to be on his way to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) when the incident occurred along Gbagi Market Road.
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), described the incident as a “national tragedy” and called for immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker said the incident was “an avoidable loss and a shameful reflection of the growing disregard for human life by some security operatives.”
“The death of young Taiwo is heartbreaking. It is utterly unacceptable that a student, on his way to sit for a crucial examination, could lose his life in such a tragic and avoidable manner,” Oseni said.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of Police Affairs, and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to ensure that the officers involved in the shooting are identified and made to face the full weight of the law.
The APC chieftain also urged the Federal Government to treat the case as a wake-up call for urgent and holistic police reforms to prevent a recurrence.
While consoling the bereaved family, Oseni assured the people of Oyo State that the National Assembly would not overlook the incident, stressing that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.
“The protection of life must remain the cornerstone of our democracy. Anything less is unacceptable,” he added.
