Tragedy unfolded in Lagos on Tuesday when a Nigerian soldier allegedly shot and killed a student of Yaba College of Technology during a security operation near the institution.
The victim, Balogun Sultan, was a National Diploma II student enrolled in the distance learning programme at Yaba College of Technology, popularly known as YABATECH.
He had reportedly come to campus to sit for his examinations, unaware that the day would end in fatal circumstances.
The Story
According to classmates, students in the programme typically attend physical lectures for only two weeks before examinations, as most of their coursework is conducted online.
After writing their papers on Tuesday, Sultan and some of his colleagues remained briefly on campus to submit an assignment for their Research Methods course.
One of his classmates explained that the delay was minor and routine. After completing the submission, Sultan set out for home, heading toward Lagos Island where he lived.
The incident occurred around the busy WAEC bus stop in Yaba, a popular transit point located close to the office of the West African Examinations Council. The area, usually bustling with students and commuters, reportedly descended into chaos when gunshots rang out.
Sources said soldiers had been deployed to the vicinity following intelligence reports of a possible cult-related clash.
In the process of attempting to secure the area, a soldier allegedly opened fire. Sultan, who was said to be on his way home at the time, was struck.
Eyewitness Account
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as bystanders scrambled for safety.
Amid the turmoil, some residents and passersby tried desperately to assist the wounded student, using pieces of clothing to stem the bleeding while calling for help.
He was rushed to the Military Hospital in Yaba, where medical personnel reportedly performed emergency chest surgery in an effort to save his life. Despite their attempts, he was later pronounced dead.
Friends and colleagues have remembered Sultan as a quiet and dedicated young man focused on completing his education.
His death has cast a shadow over the campus community, leaving many students shocked and grieving.
In lecture halls that were recently filled with exam discussions, conversations have now turned to mourning and questions about the circumstances that led to the shooting.
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Some students have expressed fear and frustration, insisting that the loss of a young life under such conditions is deeply troubling.
As of the time this report was compiled, military authorities had not released an official statement addressing the incident.