A grieving Ekiti State is in shock after a police officer’s celebratory gunshot led to the tragic death of a nursing mother on Thursday.
The incident, which occurred at the Okela police post in Ado Ekiti, has left residents, family members, and police officials reeling with disbelief. Miss Ifeoluwa Adekalu, a 29-year-old mother of one, was shot while standing across from the police station, just moments after a fellow officer had been promoted within the force. What began as a day of celebration for the officer quickly turned into a nightmare for a mother who had no idea that her life would be cut short by a stray bullet.
Tragic Turn During a Moment of Celebration
The Ekiti State Police Commissioner, Adewale Adeniran, confirmed the arrest of the officer involved in the shooting, which he described as a tragic accident that has deeply shaken the force. According to Adeniran, the police officer, a member of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at the Ado Ekiti Command, was reportedly celebrating the promotion of a colleague when the incident occurred.
“It was an unfortunate and completely avoidable tragedy,” Adeniran stated in a public briefing. “The officer, who was not on duty at the time, had come to the police post to celebrate the promotion of a colleague when the gunshot went off. We are taking this matter seriously and the officer will face interrogation in line with the Nigerian Police Act.”
Reports indicate that the officer was in high spirits, having just received the news of the promotion of a fellow officer. In a moment of celebration, the officer, who had just arrived at the Okela police post, fired his weapon into the air. Unfortunately, the stray bullet struck Miss Adekalu, who had been standing on the opposite side of the road at the time.
A Mother’s Struggle Ends in Tragedy
Miss Adekalu, who had been trying to make a better life for herself and her child, had just come from paying her rent when the fatal incident occurred. Family members and locals in Ado Ekiti were quick to share their sorrow over her untimely death.
Adekalu, originally from Ondo State, was known for her hard work and determination. Despite the many challenges she faced, she had persevered, working multiple jobs to support herself and her young child. She had been employed as a station attendant at BOVAS Petrol Station on Bank Road and also worked as a hotel staff member at various establishments in the area, including Delight, Midas, and Prosperous Hotels.
The loss of Adekalu has left her family devastated, especially her parents, who are now preparing to receive the body of their daughter from the Ekiti Police Command. The authorities are arranging for the transportation of her remains back to Ondo State for burial.
The Aftermath: Calls for Accountability
The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols within the police force, particularly in handling firearms during off-duty celebrations. Citizens are calling for stricter enforcement of police regulations and for officers to be held accountable for actions that lead to harm, whether intentional or not.
“This is not the first time we are hearing of a police officer’s careless use of a weapon causing harm,” said an analyst Ishola Aluko. “It’s about time the police force started taking these kinds of actions seriously. No one should have to lose their life like this, especially not a mother.”
The incident has sparked public outcry, with many people taking to social media to express their shock and anger. Some have even organized protests calling for justice for Miss Adekalu and urging the Nigerian Police Force to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
The Nigerian Police Act and Justice for the Deceased
The death of Miss Adekalu is a stark reminder of the importance of accountability within the ranks of law enforcement. According to the Nigerian Police Act, officers who commit criminal acts, whether in the line of duty or not, are subject to investigation and legal action.
As the police commissioner assured the public that the officer responsible for the incident would be questioned, many have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. Legal experts have emphasized the need for transparency and justice to prevail in cases like this, as it could set a crucial precedent for handling similar situations in the future.
While the community mourns the loss of a beloved mother, it also calls for systemic change. The tragic death of Ifeoluwa Adekalu serves as a reminder of the need for greater responsibility among those sworn to protect citizens.
The Nigerian Police Force now faces a crucial challenge: to ensure that its officers are properly trained in both the use of firearms and in maintaining professionalism at all times—whether on duty or celebrating a colleague’s promotion.
As Ekiti State grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, one thing is certain: the fight for justice for Ifeoluwa Adekalu is far from over. The police officer responsible will face scrutiny, but the community will continue to demand answers and action.
Family, friends, and residents of Ado Ekiti await justice for the young mother who had so much more to give—now forever silenced by a tragic accident.
