Policeman’s Celebratory Gunfire Claims Life of Nursing Mother in Ekiti
A tragic incident has claimed the life of a nursing mother, Ifeoluwa Adekolu, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, after a policeman discharged his firearm in celebration of a colleague’s promotion.
The heartbreaking event occurred at the Oke-Ila Police Station, where the officer, who had reportedly arrived from another division, fired shots to mark the promotion of a fellow officer. Unfortunately, one of the bullets went astray and struck Mrs. Adekolu, who was standing across the road opposite the station.
Eyewitnesses reported that Mrs. Adekolu, a young mother, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. However, doctors pronounced her dead on arrival, leaving her family and the community in shock and mourning.
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Adewale Adeniran, confirmed the incident in a statement. He disclosed that the officer responsible had been disarmed and placed in custody.
“The officer involved is currently detained and will undergo thorough interrogation in line with the Nigeria Police Act. This is a tragic and regrettable incident, and the Ekiti State Police Command is committed to ensuring justice is served,” AIG Adeniran stated.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and human rights advocates, who have called for swift justice and stricter measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Many have questioned the training and discipline of officers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms in the Nigerian Police Force.
Mrs. Adekolu is survived by her infant child and husband, who have been left devastated by the sudden and avoidable loss. Community members have organized vigils and protests to demand accountability and justice for the bereaved family.
The Ekiti State government has also expressed condolences and promised to monitor the case closely to ensure transparency and justice. Meanwhile, civil society organizations have reiterated their calls for better oversight of firearms handling among police officers to prevent similar tragedies.
Report by Okafor Joseph from SpringNewsNG.
