The Oyo State Government has explained that the father of the students who was killed on his way to write the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination drove against the traffic when the incident happened.

A 17 year old candidate of WASCE was hit by a stray bullet Tuesday morning in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital while on his way to write the exam organised by the West African Examination Council.

In a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the student’s father drove against traffic when the incident happened.

The government which also described the incident as “sad, shocking and painful” said it was something that could have been avoided.

It said the operation involving the police at Alakia road was necessary following incident near-fatal accidents in the area due to traffic rule violation.

“OYRTMA officials in conjunction with a team from the police, embarked on the traffic operation on Alakia Old Road following complaints from residents over constant one-way traffic violations that have led to deaths and life-threatening injuries on the axis.

“The backup from the police became imperative following assaults on OYRTMA officials and a recent killing of one official in Ibadan by a traffic offender.

“The father of the slain boy drove a tinted black Honda Accord Car with registration number FST 639 JU against the traffic at around 7.30 a.m.

“It was during an attempt to apprehend the traffic offender that a policeman, who is already being investigated by the state police command, allegedly aimed a shot at one of the tyres of the car, which missed the target,” the government explained.

“We urge residents to stay calm while the police and the government work together to handle the situation. We also warn against breaking traffic rules,” the government added.

The government also promised to ensure justice is served and reassured the public that steps would be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.