Tragedy struck in Lagos on Wednesday as a student of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) was shot dead at the WAEC bus stop along Herbert Macaulay Road.
The management of the institution confirmed that the deceased was a National Diploma student of Business Administration in its Open Distance Learning programme. The school described the incident as shocking and painful.
In a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Adams Adekunle, the college said the student was shot shortly after boarding a commercial tricycle, popularly known as “Marwa,” on his way to Ebute Metta.
The incident has caused fear among students and residents in the Yaba and Ebute Metta areas, raising fresh concerns about security in parts of Lagos Mainland.
According to the statement released by the school management, the student had earlier been on campus to participate in an examination. After completing his exam, he left the campus with a friend and headed towards the WAEC bus stop to board transport to the Mainland.
The college made it clear that the shooting did not happen inside the campus. It said reports claiming the incident occurred within school premises were not correct.
The statement explained that the deceased and his friend approached a tricycle at the mini bus park opposite the bridge on Herbert Macaulay Road. The deceased reportedly entered the tricycle first. As his friend was about to join him, a gunshot suddenly rang out.
The friend quickly realised that the student had been hit by a bullet. In panic, he raised the alarm and called for help from people around the bus stop.
Other students and bystanders rushed to the scene. The victim was quickly taken to the nearby Military Hospital in Yaba for urgent medical attention. Sadly, he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival at the hospital.
The management said that once the news reached the school authorities, they swiftly moved to the scene to gather information and engage with relevant security agencies.
The college also dismissed suggestions that the shooting followed a fight or argument involving the student. Eyewitness accounts, according to the statement, indicated that there was no prior altercation, no fight, and no commotion before the gunshot was heard.
“There was no sign of any clash or confrontation before the incident,” the statement noted.
The school also addressed rumours circulating on social media that the student may have been shot by a soldier. Management described such claims as false and misleading.
It stated that preliminary findings showed that the student was shot by an unknown gunman at the Herbert Macaulay Road mini bus park. There was no evidence linking the incident to any soldier or security officer.
The WAEC bus stop area is a busy part of Lagos Mainland. It serves as a major transport point for commuters travelling between Yaba, Ebute Metta and other parts of the city. The road is often crowded with buses, tricycles, traders and pedestrians, especially during peak hours.
Residents in the area expressed shock over the incident. Some said they heard the gunshot but could not immediately tell where it came from. Others described seeing people run in different directions after the sound was heard.
The management of YABATECH confirmed that security agencies, including the police, have begun a full investigation into the shooting. The aim is to identify the gunman and determine the motive behind the attack.
The college appealed to students, parents and members of the public to remain calm while investigations continue. It urged everyone not to spread unverified information that could create panic.
“The College reaffirms its commitment to the safety and security of its community,” the statement said. It added that the institution would work closely with security agencies to strengthen safety measures within and around the campus.
Yaba College of Technology, located in the heart of Lagos Mainland, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected tertiary institutions. Established in 1947, the college has produced thousands of graduates in engineering, science, management and other fields.
The institution operates both full-time and part-time programmes, including Open Distance Learning, which allows students to combine studies with work and other responsibilities. Many students who attend the college rely on public transportation daily, using busy routes such as Herbert Macaulay Road.
Security has remained a major concern in different parts of Lagos in recent years. While the state government and security agencies have taken steps to improve safety, incidents involving armed robbery and shootings still occur from time to time.
Parents and guardians of students have expressed worry over the latest incident. Some called on security agencies to increase patrols around school environments and major bus stops, especially during examination periods when many students are on the move.
Student groups have also reacted with sadness. Some described the deceased as a quiet and focused individual who had come to campus only to write an examination.
As investigations continue, the focus now is on how to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Community leaders in Yaba and Ebute Metta have called for improved surveillance and better lighting around bus parks and major roads.
The Lagos State Police Command is expected to provide further updates once more facts are established. Authorities say anyone with useful information about the incident should come forward to assist in the investigation.
For now, the campus community of YABATECH is in mourning. Lecturers, students and staff are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a young life cut short in a sudden and violent manner.
The tragic shooting has once again highlighted the need for stronger security measures in public spaces across Lagos. As the family of the deceased prepares for burial arrangements, many are left asking how a normal day that began with an examination ended in such heartbreaking circumstances.
The coming days will likely reveal more details as security agencies work to uncover who was responsible and why the attack happened. Until then, the college and the wider community continue to hope for justice and lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the area.
