A joyous moment turned tragic when a nursing mother, Ifeoluwa Adekolu, lost her life to a stray bullet fired by a policeman celebrating a colleague’s promotion at Oke-Ila Police Station in Ado-Ekiti.
Eyewitnesses reported that the officer, who had come from another division, discharged his firearm in excitement. Unfortunately, the bullet struck Ifeoluwa Adekolu.
Adekolu, who was standing across the road from the station. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The Commissioner of Police, recently promoted to Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Adewale Adeniran, confirmed the incident.
He assured the public that the involved officer had been disarmed and detained.
“The officer will face thorough interrogation in accordance with the Nigeria Police Act,” AIG Adeniran stated, emphasizing the force’s commitment to accountability.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about firearm safety and discipline within the Nigeria Police Force.
The tragic loss has drawn widespread attention and renewed calls for reforms to prevent such avoidable fatalities in the future.
Further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.