Sultan Balogun Owolabi, a student of Yaba College of Technology, was tragically shot dead by suspected cultists near the school's premises in Ebute Metta, Lagos. The incident occurred on a Tuesday afternoon when Owolabi was attempting to board a commercial bus. Eyewitness accounts indicate that three individuals approached him and shot him in the stomach before fleeing the scene. This shocking act of violence led to chaos as nearby onlookers and traders ran for safety, highlighting the pervasive climate of fear surrounding such incidents in the area.

The nature of the attack has raised serious concerns among the community, and there are conflicting reports regarding the perpetrators' identities. Some suggest that the assailants are part of a local cult group, while others speculate that military personnel might be involved. This uncertainty reflects a broader issue of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly related to cult-related violence, which has increased in recent years. Such incidents not only threaten the safety of students but also disrupt the educational environment and community cohesion in areas plagued by gang violence.

In response to this tragic event, an anti-cultism platform known as Confra Naija has called for a comprehensive investigation to address the issue of rising cult violence in Lagos. The urgent need for action is echoed in the demand for deeper scrutiny into the underlying causes of cultism and the insufficient law enforcement responses to previous incidents. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in ensuring the safety of its citizens, especially young people vulnerable to violence and crime.