By Christopher Oji, Lagos and Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has charged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the killing of a secondary student by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a policeman in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
NANS in a statement signed by its National Vice President on Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Felicia Akinbodunse, yesterday, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, condemned the killing and described the student’s death as unfortunate, painful but preventable.
She said the killing of the secondary student cut down in his prime by a stray bullet is a pointer to the archaic methods of operating firearms in residential areas by the police. She insisted that the IGP must ensure that the policeman, who pulled the trigger must face the full wrath of the law.
Akinbodunse, who expressed sadness over the death of the student, adding that the melancholy that would envelope the family of the victim could better be imagined.
She commiserated with the family of the student, assuring that NANS as a student body, would follow the matter to a logical conclusion; ensure that justice is done and appropriate compensation is paid to the victim’s family. She,however, warned the police authority not to sweep the matter under the carpet, rather, it should unmask the person behind the incident and punish the culprit to serve as a deterrent to others.
Meanwhile, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered investigation into the shooting that led to the death of Kehinde Alade.
A statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer ( FPRO) Muyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the police officer involved in the shooting has been identified and taken into custody.
Adejobi said the IGP assured members of the public that justice would be served, while pledging transparent investigation into the matter.
According to the FPRO:” The IGP has condemned the incident and assured that the officer involved in the shooting has been taken into custody, while a full-scale investigation is underway.
“He equally reiterated that the process will be transparent, and its findings will be made public to ensure justice is duly served as he expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased young man.”