YABATECH ND II student killed by alleged stray bullet during security operation in Lagos

Tragedy struck on Tuesday as Balogun Sultan, a National Diploma II student of Yaba College of Technology, reportedly died after being hit by gunfire during a security operation in Lagos.

Sultan, who was enrolled in the institution’s distance learning programme, had reportedly just completed his examination when the incident occurred. According to classmates, what began as a routine academic day quickly turned fatal.

A fellow student, who spoke in grief, explained that distance learning students typically visit campus only during examination periods.

“One of the things about our course is that we only come to campus for exams. We usually have two weeks of in-person lectures before each exam, and after that, we go back home,” the student said.

Sources disclosed that Sultan had completed a Research Methods assignment earlier that day and was returning to Lagos Island, where he lived. He was said to have boarded a vehicle from the WAEC bus stop, a familiar route he often took after academic activities.

“He was just making his usual trip home. Nothing about the day suggested it would end like this,” another student recounted.

Eyewitnesses said soldiers had been deployed to the area following reports of a possible cult clash. During the operation, gunshots were fired to disperse suspected troublemakers.

“There had been reports of a potential cult clash, and soldiers were deployed to contain it. Unfortunately, Balogun was caught in the crossfire while returning home,” a source stated.

Videos circulating from the scene showed residents running for safety as gunshots rang out. Bystanders were seen attempting to assist the injured student before emergency responders arrived.

Sultan was rushed to the Military Hospital in Yaba, where medical personnel reportedly carried out emergency surgery in an attempt to save his life. Despite the intervention, he did not survive.

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The news of his death has left students and staff of Yaba College of Technology in shock. Friends and classmates described him as calm, respectful and focused on completing his studies.

“He was quiet and dedicated to finishing his course. Now his family will never see him return home alive,” a grieving friend said.

Lecture halls and online student forums have since been filled with messages of condolence, as the campus community grapples with the sudden loss of one of its own.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the operation.