The management of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic student killing that claimed the life of one of its students in Lagos.
The incident, which occurred outside the school premises, has raised concerns about safety in areas surrounding major tertiary institutions.
In an official statement issued by the college authorities, the Rector, Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, speaking on behalf of the Governing Council and the institution’s management, conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased student and members of the campus community affected by the loss.
According to the statement, the victim has been identified as Sultan Balogun Owolabi, a National Diploma student studying Business Administration under the institution’s Open, Distance and Flexible e-Learning programme.
His death has left fellow students and staff members shocked, especially as details of the YABATECH student killing continue to emerge.
Reports gathered from eyewitnesses indicated that the incident occurred at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday at the WAEC Bus Stop, located along Herbert Macaulay Road.
The area serves as a busy transportation point for students and residents in the Yaba axis of Lagos.
According to preliminary accounts, the student had left the campus with a friend and walked toward the bus stop to board a commercial vehicle heading toward the Mainland.
Witnesses said he was attempting to enter a commercial tricycle, popularly called Marwa, when a sudden gunshot was heard.
The shocking gunshot triggered panic in the crowded area as traders, commuters, and transport workers rushed to understand what had happened.
Witnesses reported hearing only a single gunshot before the victim collapsed, sparking immediate efforts to rescue him.
Several bystanders quickly came together to assist the injured student. Transport workers and nearby traders helped rush him to a nearby military medical facility in an attempt to save his life.
Unfortunately, doctors later confirmed that he died shortly after arrival, marking the tragic outcome of the YABATECH student killing.
Following the incident, various accounts circulated online suggesting possible causes, including speculation that suspected cultists might have been responsible.
However, the institution urged caution, explaining that investigations are still ongoing.
The management clarified that eyewitness reports did not indicate any altercation or confrontation before the shooting occurred.
Witnesses present at the scene, including drivers, passengers, and traders, consistently maintained that the victim had not been involved in any argument or fight prior to the gunshot.
Because of the absence of any visible dispute, the college authorities stated that there is currently no confirmed evidence linking the YABATECH student killing to cult-related activities.
Another claim circulating online suggested that a soldier may have been responsible for the shooting.
However, the management of YABATECH dismissed the allegation, stating that available information does not support such claims.
The institution stressed that no credible evidence has connected any military personnel to the incident.
It therefore urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified stories or rumours while investigations are still underway.
According to the college, misinformation could complicate the process of identifying the actual perpetrator behind the YABATECH student killing.
Immediately after receiving reports of the shooting, the institution’s leadership visited the scene and contacted relevant security agencies to begin investigations.
Law enforcement authorities, including the police, are currently examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Their task includes identifying the gunman responsible for the attack and determining the motive behind the fatal shooting.
Investigators are also expected to review testimonies from eyewitnesses who were present at the busy bus stop when the gunshot occurred.
Authorities believe these accounts may help piece together the sequence of events that led to the YABATECH student killing.
The management also emphasized that the tragic incident did not occur within the campus of Yaba College of Technology.
Instead, it happened at the WAEC Bus Stop area, which lies outside the institution’s premises.
Nevertheless, the institution acknowledged that the incident has affected the campus community and has heightened concerns about security around public transport hubs frequently used by students.
As a result, the college said it would continue to collaborate with security agencies and local authorities to strengthen safety measures within and around the school environment.
In his message to students, parents, and the wider public, the Rector urged everyone to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out their work without interference.
He emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation and waiting for verified findings from law enforcement authorities.
The institution reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, security, and wellbeing of its students and staff members.
Management also assured the public that updates will be communicated once authorities confirm new developments in the investigation.
About The Author
