Tragedy as WAEC Student Dies from Stray Bullet During Police Chase of Yahoo Boys in Ibadan

A heart-wrenching incident has sparked outrage across Nigeria as a student reportedly on his way to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) was fatally struck by a stray bullet during a police operation targeting suspected internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “yahoo boys.”

According to multiple eyewitness reports shared on X (formerly Twitter), the tragic event occurred along Old Ife Road in Ibadan, Oyo State. The student was being driven by his father to the exam centre when officers allegedly opened fire while pursuing suspects. One of the bullets hit the student, who was inside the vehicle.

Initial reports from the scene indicated hope for the boy’s survival. A user wrote:

“Police just shot someone at Old Ife Road just now. They said they were chasing yahoo boys and a stray bullet hit a child in his dad’s car on the way to school to write WAEC. I hope the kid survives… Why would you shoot in the first place?”

Moments later, the same user confirmed the worst:

 “The boy died.”

The post ignited a storm of grief and fury online, with Nigerians condemning the recklessness of the officers involved and calling for immediate accountability.

One user, @Impeccable_Tim, lamented:

“We all need to be scared of the men of @PoliceNG and @OyoPoliceNG now. A stray bullet can hit anyone on the way to work. Why will your men shoot in a public space?”

Another, @Stephendeals, added:

“People need to start praying ‘lead us not into the path of Nigeria Police’ before leaving the house. This is sad and sickening.”

Many other users demanded justice, criticized the lack of professionalism, and called for the retraining of officers stationed between the airport bridge and Alakia-Isebo axis, highlighting ongoing concerns about excessive use of force and poor engagement protocols in public areas.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the Oyo State Police Command. Calls for an investigation into the incident continue to mount, with citizens urging the authorities not to allow this case to go unresolved.

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