YABATECH student fatally shot in Lagos military action

Wednesday, March, 4 2026 - Balogun Sultan, a National Diploma II student of Yaba College of Technology, has died after being allegedly struck by gunfire during a security operation in Lagos.

Sultan, who was enrolled in the college’s distance learning programme, was reportedly heading home after an examination when the incident occurred.

What was intended to be an ordinary school day reportedly turned tragic.

“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 fellow student recounted, visibly shaken.

According to sources, Sultan had completed a Research Methods assignment and was on his routine journey home on Tuesday, taking a vehicle from the WAEC bus stop to Lagos Island, where he lived.

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

Eyewitnesses reported that soldiers had entered the area to quell a reported cult clash. Sultan was allegedly hit by stray bullets fired during the operation.

“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 said.

Videos from the scene showed chaos, with residents fleeing and gunshots echoing across the streets. Bystanders reportedly tried to provide first aid, pressing clothing against Sultan’s wounds and praying for his survival.

He was rushed to the Military Hospital in Yaba, where surgeons attempted emergency chest surgery. Despite the medical efforts, Sultan did not survive.

Classmates and friends described Sultan as calm, focused, and respectful, a student who kept to himself and avoided trouble. Many expressed disbelief and sorrow at the untimely death of a young life filled with promise.

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

The tragedy has left the campus in shock. Lecture halls that once buzzed with discussions about assignments and exams are now marked by hushed conversations and a pervasive sense of grief.