A tragic incident unfolded in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, when a young woman, Ifeoluwa Adekalu, was fatally struck by a bullet accidentally discharged by a police officer celebrating a colleague’s promotion.
The incident occurred on Thursday at the Okela Police Station, leaving the community in shock and mourning the loss of a mother of one.
Incident Details
Reports indicate that the unnamed police officer discharged his firearm in a moment of jubilance upon learning about the promotion of a colleague. Tragically, the bullet hit Ifeoluwa, leading to her untimely death.
Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the victim’s whereabouts at the time of the shooting:
- Some sources suggest that Ifeoluwa was passing by a salon across from the police station after paying her rent when the bullet struck her.
- Other accounts claim she was visiting her husband, who was reportedly in custody at the station.
Immediate Aftermath
Following the accidental shooting, Ifeoluwa was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family and the community devastated.
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, AIG Adewale Adeniran, confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. He stated that:
- The officer involved has been disarmed and placed in detention.
- An investigation has been initiated in line with the Nigerian Police Act to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner assured the public that the police are committed to ensuring justice and accountability in this tragic case.
The tragic death of Ifeoluwa has sparked outrage and grief within the Ado Ekiti community. Many residents have called for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents, including better firearms handling training for police officers and stricter enforcement of protocols regarding the use of weapons.
Call for Justice
Human rights groups and members of the public have urged the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and appropriate disciplinary action against the officer involved. The incident has also reignited discussions on police reforms and the need for greater accountability within the force.
Ifeoluwa’s tragic death leaves behind a grieving family and a young child. Her story is a somber reminder of the need for vigilance and reform in the handling of firearms by security personnel. The community continues to demand justice and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.