In a swift and emotional response to the tragic killing of a secondary school student in Ibadan, the Oyo State House of Assembly has launched a campaign for justice and sweeping police reforms. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, has sparked outrage across the state and renewed calls for accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
The student, Paul Kehinde Alade was reportedly on his way to sit for his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) paper when he was fatally struck by a stray bullet. The bullet, according to eyewitness accounts, was discharged by a police officer chasing a suspect along the busy Gbagi Market Road in Ibadan.
Raising the matter under a “Motion of Urgent Public Importance,” Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola, the Deputy Leader of the House, condemned the “painful and unwarranted” killing. He called on the Assembly to act swiftly to ensure that the victim’s family receives justice and support.
“The life of a promising young Nigerian has been cut short due to reckless use of firearms by security personnel. This is unacceptable and must be addressed,” Babalola declared during the plenary session.
The lawmakers, visibly distressed, unanimously condemned the incident and adopted a multi-pronged resolution. Key among their decisions was a direct call to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate, transparent, and thorough investigation. The Assembly demanded that the officer involved be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law.
The House also resolved that the Executive Arm of Government provide both psychological and financial support to the bereaved family. Lawmakers stressed that this measure is necessary to help the family navigate the traumatic aftermath of the incident.
“This is not just about justice; it’s about compassion and the responsibility of the state to stand with its people in times of loss,” said Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, who also presided over the session.
In a significant move toward broader reform, the Assembly urged the Ministry of Information and Orientation to embark on a statewide awareness campaign focused on police conduct and citizens’ rights. The campaign is intended to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public, and to promote peaceful and responsible policing practices.
To monitor progress and ensure accountability, the House constituted an eight-member investigative committee led by the Deputy Speaker. The committee is expected to meet with the State Commissioner of Police on Thursday, May 22, and report back with updates on investigations and disciplinary actions.
Furthermore, the lawmakers called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to issue nationwide directives explicitly banning the indiscriminate use of firearms in public places. They also demanded that police officers receive continuous training in suspect apprehension and crowd control to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The tragic death of the student has not only reignited debate around police brutality and misuse of firearms in Nigeria but has also drawn attention to the need for stronger oversight and community-focused policing.
Civil society organizations and student bodies have begun to rally around the issue, with several groups planning a candlelight procession and peaceful protest later in the week to honor the deceased and amplify calls for justice.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, also issued a statement commending the Oyo Assembly’s swift response while urging law enforcement agencies to prioritize human rights and operational discipline. “The right to life is sacrosanct. No uniformed agent has the authority to violate it under any circumstance,” the NBA noted.
As Oyo State mourns the loss of one of its youths, the House of Assembly’s actions signal a resolve not only to secure justice but also to institute long-term measures that protect lives and uphold the rule of law. The coming days will reveal whether these resolutions translate into tangible justice for the victim and meaningful reforms in the state’s policing architecture.