Azeez Ijaduade Hospitalized After Accidental Shooting Incident

A Nollywood actor and director, Azeez Ijaduade, found himself in the crossfire when he was accidentally hit by a discharged shot from a police officer in Iperu Remo, Ogun State. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has raised concerns about the safety of citizens during such unforeseen incidents.

Azeez Ijaduade Ola is a celebrated Nigerian actor, filmmaker, and songwriter born on July 3. He became a prominent figure as a teenage actor for portraying Ola in the movie Jensimi. He is recognized for his roles in Ajenifeni (2021), Irenimoyan (2022), and Tipa Tipa (Do or Die) (2019).

According to reports, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the accidental shooting, acknowledging that it happened during an end-of-year party at a hotel in Iperu. The shot was discharged by an officer attached to the executives of Bramajaj Company Limited, Ogere Remo.

Azeez Ijaduade, who was engaged in a movie shoot at the same hotel, became an unintended victim when the stray bullet struck him in the neck. His colleague, Abiodun Adebanjo, took to Instagram to seek urgent assistance for the injured director.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, clarified that the officer “accidentally discharged a shot from his rifle” during the celebration. Ijaduade was swiftly taken to Babcock University Teaching Hospital for medical attention, where he is reportedly in stable condition.

This incident highlights a recurring problem of accidental discharges by police officers, which, in some cases, result in severe injuries or fatalities. The police are responsible for using firearms judiciously to protect citizens, as emphasized by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Bartholomew Onyeka, in a previous incident.

The shooting of Azeez Ijaduade echoes similar tragedies, like the case of 17-year-old Ibuchim Ofezie in Jos in April 2023 and the killing of Olafuro Peterside in Gombe State in August. These incidents raise questions about the need for better firearm safety measures and training for law enforcement officers to prevent such unfortunate occurrences in the future.

As Azeez Ijaduade recovers from this harrowing experience, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reforms in police training and firearm handling to ensure the safety of citizens during public events and celebrations.