Panic at Yabatech as student sh0t dead in suspected cult clash near campus gate

A tragic incident rocked the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) community on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as a male student was shot dead by suspected cultists in an alleged reprisal attack.

According to eyewitnesses, the student had just finished his exams for the day and was heading toward the institution’s back gate when he was approached by a group of armed men.

A student who witnessed the horrifying moment told PUNCH that the attack happened in a flash:

“The student had just finished writing his exams and was heading towards the back gate when some boys approached him and shot him twice on the spot. The whole scenario happened very fast. Everyone started running.”

Another student who spoke anonymously said the assailants searched the victim’s bag after the shooting and allegedly recovered a firearm and a bullet from him, fueling speculation that the deceased may also have been a cult member.

“They made sure he was dead before leaving,” the source added grimly.

While initial fears suggested an isolated crime, multiple sources have now linked the attack to a long-standing cult rivalry between groups operating in and around the YABATECH area.

A school source said the shooting may have been retaliation for an earlier incident:

“Last week, a suspected cult member was shot but survived. This looks like a payback.”

The school’s spokesperson, Adekunle Adams, confirmed knowledge of the incident but stated it did not occur within school grounds.

“The incident occurred but not in the college. It happened at a lounge close to the college. There is no cult-related incident in the college.”

Despite the reassurance, students remain on edge, with many calling for tighter security at YABATECH’s back gate and surrounding areas.

The Lagos State Police Command, through its spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident as a cult-related killing.

“On Tuesday at about 3 pm, a distress call was received at Sabo Division that a suspected cultist was allegedly shot dead by rival cult members.”

Upon arrival at the scene, police recovered four live bullets, some charms, and found the victim’s body with visible gunshot wounds. Seven suspects have since been arrested as investigations continue.

The body of the student has been deposited in the morgue for an autopsy.