- Safiu Kehinde
The Management of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has debunked the widespread social media reports alleging that a Nigerian soldier shot a student of the institution.
Reacting to the reports in a statement issued on Wednesday, the institution clarified that there is no evidence to support such claims.
Preliminary finding, according to the statement, revealed that the student was shot by an unknown gunman along Herbert Macaulay Road mini bus park.
“The deceased, a National Diploma student of Business Administration in the Open Distance Learning programme, had been on campus earlier in the day, to participate in his physical examination alongside his colleagues.
“The deceased and a friend were heading towards the Mainland and had approached a commercial tricycle (popularly known as Marwa).
“The deceased reportedly entered the tricycle first, and as his friend was about to board, a gunshot rang out. The friend discovered that the deceased had been shot.
“He immediately ran and rallied to seek assistance. Colleagues who were around the bus park promptly rushed to the scene and conveyed the victim to the nearby Military hospital to seek medical attention. ASadly, he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.” The statement partly read.
The management of YABATECH claimed it had swiftly visited the scene to ascertain the facts and engage relevant authorities.
It also recounted the accounts of some eyewitnesses who also claimed to have only heard a gubshot but could not identify the shooter.
“Eyewitness accounts from traders in the area, road transport workers, drivers, and passengers present at the time consistently indicated that there was no prior altercation, fight, scramble, or commotion before the gunshot.
“Witnesses reported only hearing a gunshot but could not identify the shooter.” The management said.
The College reiterated that there is no evidence linking the shooting to any military personnel as it quoted a source familiar with situation who held that the shooter, if identified as a military personnel, woupd have been apprehended by those present at the scene.
“Had any uniformed officer been identified as the shooter, he would have been apprehended immediately by people at the scene,” the source noted.
While also stating that no witness has come forward to confirm that the assailant was a soldier, the management further dismissed suggestions that the incident was cult-related.
It stating that the absence of any confrontation or clash before the shooting contradicts such claims.
The institution expressed concern over what it described as misleading narratives circulating on social media, urging the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of inciting tension or damaging existing civil-military relations.
“The shooting occurred at the WAEC bus stop opposite the bridge at Herbert Macaulay Road where he boarde the tricycle going to Ebute Meta and not within the vicinity of the College, but there is no evidence to suggest it was carried out by a soldier or that it originated from within the campus,” the statement emphasized.
The Management of YABATECH appealed to students, parents, stakeholders, and the general public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities while investigations continue.
It said that security agencies, including the police and other relevant authorities, have commenced a full investigation to determine the identity of the gunman and the motive behind the attack.
The College reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and security of its community and pledged to work closely with security agencies to strengthen measures within and around the campus to prevent a recurrence of such a tragic incident.