A tragic incident occurred on Friday when a police officer allegedly shot and killed Ishola Abdulqoyum, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic. The shooting took place along Panat Road, a key route linking Sango and ShopRite in Kwara State.
Abdulqoyum, an ND II part-time student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, was reportedly on a commercial motorcycle when he was stopped by police officers. Eyewitnesses and family members claim that Abdulqoyum was ordered into a police patrol vehicle, where officers demanded money from him. Despite his insistence that he had none, he was coerced into the vehicle and later chased by the officers. He was shot in the right arm and bled to death before receiving medical attention.
According to Abdulqoyum’s brother, Abdullah, the victim had been out to purchase footwear for his sign-out event. He described the sequence of events, stating that police had taken Abdulqoyum’s phone and power bank, and despite finding nothing incriminating, pursued him and shot him. Abdullah recounted that Abdulqoyum’s final words were to passersby identifying his family.
After the shooting, Abdulqoyum was taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), where he received four units of blood. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries early this morning. He has since been buried at the Hausa Community Cemetery in accordance with Islamic rites.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among the victim’s family, friends, and colleagues, who have staged protests demanding justice. They have called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to investigate the killing and hold those responsible accountable.
In response, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, stated via WhatsApp that police authorities and government security agencies have been working since morning to get to the root of the incident.
DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment on the matter.
The ongoing investigation and protests underscore the urgent need for accountability and justice in light of this tragic event.
