Outrage as soldier allegedly shoots YABATECH student dead in Lagos

A Nigerian soldier has been accused of fatally shooting Balogun Sultan, a National Diploma II student of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), during a security operation in Lagos.

The tragic incident has thrown the student’s family, friends, and classmates into deep mourning.

Sultan, who was enrolled in the institution’s distance learning programme, had reportedly come to campus for examinations, what was meant to be a routine academic exercise that ended in tragedy.

“We only come to school for examinations since our lectures are mostly online. Before exams, we have about two weeks of physical lectures. After the exams, we don’t return,” a fellow student explained, struggling to contain his emotions.

According to classmates, Sultan was heading home to Lagos Island when the incident occurred — a route he had taken several times without trouble.

“He usually takes a vehicle from the WAEC bus stop and then another one to the Island. He was simply going home when it happened,” a student recounted.

The WAEC bus stop area, typically bustling with students and commuters, reportedly descended into chaos as gunshots rang out.

Students said they had stayed back briefly after submitting an assignment in Research Methods before Sultan left the campus.

Some now say they cannot help but wonder whether things might have turned out differently had they all left together.

Sources said soldiers were deployed to the area following reports of a possible cult clash.

“There was information that a cult clash might occur, and soldiers were sent to quell it. Unfortunately, Balogun was caught in the situation and was allegedly hit by stray bullets,” a source said.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled for safety. In a video circulating online, Sultan was seen lying in a pool of blood as bystanders attempted to save him, pressing clothing against his wounds in a desperate effort.

He was rushed to the Military Hospital, Yaba, where doctors reportedly performed emergency chest surgery. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.

Friends described Sultan as calm, respectful, and focused on completing his studies.

“He was a quiet person who just wanted to finish school and go home,” one friend said. “Now his parents will never see him walk through their door again.”

Within the campus community, grief is mixed with disbelief and anger. Lecture halls that once buzzed with academic discussions are now overshadowed by shock and sorrow.

Some students say they are fearful; others insist the young man’s death was avoidable. For many, the loss underscores growing concerns about safety during security operations in civilian areas.

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