Five Years After Police Shooting, Ibadan Graduate Seeks Help for Life-Changing Spinal Injury

07th August, 2026 | Nigeria | Human Interest

Five years after being struck by a bullet during a police operation in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nurdeen Azeez, a graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, says he is still battling the devastating consequences of the incident, with doctors now recommending another spinal surgery.

Azeez, 30, recounted that his life changed forever on August 16, 2021, while travelling on a commercial motorcycle from Iwo Road to his hostel in the Ijokodo area of Ibadan.

According to him, heavy traffic around the Idi-Ape axis forced the motorcycle rider to take an alternative route when gunshots suddenly erupted.

“As soon as the motorcycle moved, I heard gunshots. A bullet struck my spinal cord, and I immediately collapsed on the motorcycle,” he recalled.

He said a police officer approached him after the shooting and asked him to stand up, but he was unable to move because of the severity of his injuries.

Azeez explained that passersby rushed to the scene after hearing the gunshots, while the officers reportedly left the area. He was initially taken to Molly Hospital before being referred to another medical facility for emergency treatment.

According to him, although assurances were initially given that his medical expenses would be covered, the support gradually diminished.

The incident sparked protests by students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, prompting the Oyo State Government to intervene. Azeez said the government funded an initial surgery and assigned medical personnel to oversee his treatment, but the assistance eventually ended after the operation.

Nearly five years later, he says he continues to endure severe pain, emotional trauma and financial hardship caused by the spinal injury.

“Living with this spinal injury has been one of the greatest challenges of my life. I have spent years battling pain, emotional trauma and financial hardship,” he said.

Following further medical evaluation at a specialist hospital in India, Azeez said doctors recommended another spinal surgery to improve his condition. However, he noted that the cost of the procedure is far beyond what his family can afford.

He also revealed that the prolonged emotional and financial burden of his condition has taken a heavy toll on his family, disclosing that he lost his mother during the years he has been struggling with the aftermath of the shooting.

“The burden of my condition has also affected my family deeply. Sadly, I lost my mother, and the emotional stress surrounding my condition contributed greatly to her health challenges,” he said.

As he approaches the fifth anniversary of the incident, Azeez remains hopeful that he will receive the specialised medical treatment he needs to improve his condition and regain a measure of normalcy after years of living with a life-altering injury.