A tragic incident occurred in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, when a policeman accidentally discharged his weapon, killing a young woman, Ifeoluwa Adekalu. The incident took place on Thursday near Okela Police Station, as the bullet struck Adekalu while she was standing in front of a shop opposite the station.
Sources revealed that the policeman, who had been visiting the station, unintentionally fired the weapon while celebrating the promotion of a colleague. The woman, who was reportedly returning from paying her accommodation rent, was struck by the bullet as she passed by. Some witnesses suggest that Adekalu may have been approaching the station after alighting from a commercial motorcycle.
Following the shooting, the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries. The state police commissioner, Adeniran Akinwale, confirmed the incident and assured that the officer involved had been disarmed and detained. He further stated that the officer would face interrogations in line with the Nigerian Police Act.
The tragic event has raised concerns about safety and accountability within the police force, particularly regarding accidental discharges of firearms. The police officer’s actions have already led to legal and disciplinary scrutiny, with the authorities promising to conduct a thorough investigation.
