Friends, family in tears as gunmen shoot dead first class graduate while traveling to Anambra for NYSC

Friends and family of Sule Mathew, a fresh first-class graduate from the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University Kano, are current in tears after gunmen shot him (Sule) dead while on his way to Anambra state for the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps scheme.

Further reports say Sule was killed with other passengers at Ekwulobia, in Anambra State.

Silas Manager, one of Sule’s coursemate who spoke to PR Nigeria said the deceased was billed to participate in the forthcoming orientation program of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and had recently lost his father.

“Mathew was among the first set of students to intern with PRNigeria Centre in Kano in 2019. He lost his father in June, few months to his final examination, and graduated as the overall best student of our Department in August 2021 and was due to enrol for mandatory NYSC programme next week.” Salis Manager said

Another tear-filled coursemate of Sule who lamented the situation said: ”He was on a 6-month non-residential fellowship program that trains, and mentors young citizen activists to push for democratic reforms – Gidan Yanci. He was on his way to Anambra from Abuja when the gunmen attacked their vehicle.”

His sister, Jemila disclosed that Sule travelled with his boss on that ill-fated day along with other passengers including the driver in a private vehicle.

In her words: “After waylaying them, the gunmen opened fire on them killing all of them except the driver who escaped. So, when we couldn’t reach him and heard of the incident, we sent Sule’s picture to the mortuary to confirm if he was among those killed and we got feedback that he was identified among those killed.”

Sule’s last post on social media during his final examinations in 2021 read:

”So what has really changed after 4 years?

“4 years ago, I made a decision to leave everything including my Distinction result in HND 1 to Pursue a University degree. Today, I am graduating, Let’s look at what has really changed in the past 4years.

“Before I dive into the tales of “my transitions ” I want to sincerely extend my appreciation to God and to everyone who have been part of my academic journey – My Parents, Uncle Joe, Aunty Omaye… the list is endless.

“My lecturers who opened the doors of their offices and of their hearts to share in my personal stories of losses and gains.

“My friends who made me feel too well at home even though I traveled closely 800KM away from my home, you made BUK “HOME away from HOME” for me.

“Thank you Google – for your many products and services. 

“SO WHAT HAS REALLY CHANGED

“1. My understanding of the world: I was born and raised in a village of less than 70 houses at a time and my life, until 2015, had revolved around only 3 major towns in Kogi state. This singular most overlooked experience shaped my understanding of the world and my interactions with same.

“However, my exposure to people, places and circumstances fairly different from what I was familiar with, has reshaped my understanding of the world around me – By learning, unlearning and relearning the core values of the varying cultures with which I interacted.

“Some of the very funny, very basic and more valuable part of my learnings are; I have learnt to correct my pronunciations of English words, delimitate my strong mother’s tongue interference, learn basics of other languages, learn new foods and practice some new ways of life.

“Professionally, I have been trained through my well structured course to a remarkable level of proficiency in information technology, media and communication sciences (majoring on the new media) – thanks to my inspiring Head of Department- Dr. Nura Ibrahim and all the highly committed staff members of the department of information and Media Studies and the entire faculty of communication-Bayero University, Kano.

“Combining my class work with some out-of-class training has helped me to personally advance my technical skills and have strengthened my flare for technological innovations. I am now experienced in UI/UX design.

“My strong engagements in extracurricular activities have modeled me in the path of projects managements. Please hire me.

“While pursuing good grades and wanting to gain life saving experiences, I am happy that I didn’t sacrifice the place of building a great network- my friends are my greatest assets.

“My greatest joy lies in those that could count me as being part of their academic success. I sincerely regret those times I couldn’t reach out to those that needed my help.

“My best moments as an undergraduate student were at the reception of my first scholarship, my certificate of recognition from my VC- Prof. Yahuza Bello, the Honorable mention award from Facebook (with my team at heartUmight) and my finalist award at enactus National competition (2019 with my team)

“The saddest part of my story is returning home and meeting my father no more. Rest In Peace father.” 

May his soul rest in peace.