Tragedy in Ibadan: WAEC Candidate Allegedly Killed by Police Stray Bullet During Yahoo Boys Chase | WATCH VIDEO

By All Facts Newspaper 20TH May 2025 | In a heart-wrenching incident that has sparked outrage across Nigeria, a secondary school student en route to sit for his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exam was fatally struck by a stray bullet fired by police officers pursuing suspected internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as "Yahoo Boys," in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The tragic event unfolded on the morning of May 20, 2025, along Akala Expressway in Ibadan. According to eyewitness accounts, police officers were in hot pursuit of a Hilux vehicle believed to be occupied by suspected Yahoo Boys. In an attempt to apprehend the suspects, the officers reportedly opened fire, aiming at the vehicle's tires. Tragically, a bullet missed its intended target and struck the student, who was in a car with his father, heading to his examination center.

The student was immediately rushed to Welfare Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The incident has ignited widespread condemnation and protests. Grief-stricken traders and residents took to the streets, marching to the Oyo State Secretariat with the student's body, demanding justice and accountability from the police force. Security personnel were deployed to manage the growing crowd, while demonstrators called for urgent reforms in police operations.

Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions from Nigerians expressing their sorrow and anger. Many have called for a thorough investigation into the incident and for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

This incident adds to the growing list of casualties resulting from police actions in Nigeria, raising serious concerns about the use of force and the need for comprehensive police reform. Human rights organizations and civil society groups have reiterated their calls for the Nigerian government to implement measures that ensure the safety and protection of its citizens, especially the youth.

As of the time of this report, the Oyo State Police Command has not released an official statement regarding the incident. Efforts to reach the police spokesperson for comments have been unsuccessful.