Stray Bullet Kills YABATECH Student During Military Operation

Stray Bullet Kills YABATECH Student During Military Operation

A stray bullet allegedly fired during a military operation in Lagos has claimed the life of Balogun Sultan, a National Diploma II student of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).

Sultan, who was enrolled in the institution’s distance learning programme, was said to be returning home after sitting for an examination when the tragic incident occurred on Tuesday.

According to fellow students, distance learning students only come to campus briefly for lectures and examinations.

On the day of the incident, Sultan had reportedly completed a Research Methods paper and boarded a vehicle from the WAEC bus stop en route to Lagos Island, where he lived.

Eyewitnesses said soldiers had been deployed to the area following reports of a suspected cult clash. In the course of efforts to contain the unrest, gunshots were fired, and Sultan was allegedly struck by a stray bullet.

Residents described scenes of panic as people fled for safety amid the sound of gunfire. Some bystanders reportedly attempted to render first aid, using clothing to apply pressure to his wounds before he was rushed to the Military Hospital in Yaba.

Medical personnel carried out emergency surgery, but he did not survive.

Classmates and friends described the deceased as calm, focused and dedicated to his studies, expressing shock over his sudden death.

“He was quiet and committed to finishing his programme. It is painful that his life ended this way,” one of his colleagues said.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the operation and the fatal shooting.