A National Diploma II student at Yaba College of Technology, Balogun Sultan, has d!ed after he was allegedly struck by a stray bullet during a security operation in Lagos
Sultan, who was studying through the institution’s distance learning programme, had reportedly just finished an examination and was on his way home when the fatal incident occurred.
For what began as a routine academic day, events quickly spiralled into tragedy.
“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,” a visibly shaken coursemate said.
Sources disclosed that Sultan had completed a Research Methods assignment earlier that day and boarded a vehicle from the WAEC bus stop en route to Lagos Island, where he resided.
“He was just making his usual trip home. Nothing about the day suggested it would end like this,” another student recounted.
Witnesses said security operatives, including soldiers, had been deployed to the area over reports of a looming cult clash. During efforts to disperse the unrest, gunshots rang out, and Sultan was allegedly caught in the crossfire.
“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.”
Footage from the scene captured residents running for safety as gunfire echoed. Passersby were seen attempting to save him, using pieces of clothing to stem the bleeding while praying for help to arrive.
He was later taken to the Military Hospital in Yaba, where doctors performed emergency chest surgery. Despite attempts to stabilise him, he was pronounced dead.
Friends and classmates described Sultan as reserved and determined, someone committed to completing his studies and staying away from trouble.
“He was quiet and dedicated to finishing his course. Now his family will never see him return home alive.”
His de.ath has cast a heavy cloud over the campus community, with students mourning a life cut short under circumstances they say should never have happened.
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RIP