Security: Family and Friends Mourn as Father of Two is Killed by a Stray Bullet in Lagos

Family and friends of Patrick Stephen were on July 10th 2020 shocked by the untimely death of their son, husband, brother and friend. The ever jovial and vibrant youngman was caught by a stray bullet fired during an attempt by armed robbers to rob a bullion van at Ajah in Lagos. What is most sad is that this is one avoidable death too many.

As with many other deaths in Nigeria, victims are not quickly rushed to the hospital for treatment and even when they are, there are always delays before treatment is given. In a lot of these cases, the victim dies not necessarily from the actual injury but from the fact that first responders were non existent or that treatment did not commence quickly enough.

In Patrick’s case, before he was rushed to the hospital, he had already lost too much blood. A death that was avoidable was forced on his family and friends because the government has refused to take the issue of citizen welfare seriously.

It would be recalled that recently, the secretary to the government said that he did not know that health care in Nigeria was this bad. Of course, he couldn’t have known because no one he knows relies on health care delivered by local hospitals.

While we call on the government to arise to its responsibilities, friends of Patrick Stephen have setup a GoFundMe campaign to help the young wife and two Children he left behind find their feet amidst the pain of their loss. The fund which was setup by the late Patrick’s close pal, Tiem Okori, has a goal of raising $6000 which is about N2.3 million.

He had this to say about the late Patrick: “Patrick was one of the most caring and loving people you’d ever come across, and I wish I never had to type this; I wish Patrick was alive to enjoy the fruits of his toiling, and watch his kids grow up; I wish his wife, parents and siblings wouldn’t have to bury him so soon.

So many questions, so many wishes, but above all I just pray God grants his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“Patrick has been there for me, through thick and through thin, always ready to travel hundreds of miles on such short notice, even when it’s not convenient for him. My family, friends, and literally anyone who knew him knows that he had the kindest of hearts, and always lit up the room with his infectious smile, even in the midst of his personal trials.

“21 yrs of friendship, and I can’t believe we won’t get to have those lengthy phone conversations again. “Rest well, my dearest friend and brother! I love you!! You’re forever in my heart!”

How many more lives most be lost to senseless and avoidable deaths before Nigerians arise and demand better form its leaders? Our prayers are with Patrick’s aged parents, young wife, two kids, siblings and friends.