By Victor Akaa.
A tragic incident occurred on Friday, January 31, 2025, during a bi-annual route march by the Nigerian Army (NA) troops in Yaba, Lagos State. The exercise, which was designed to enhance operational readiness, involved various Nigerian Army formations across Lagos State.
According to the statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the unfortunate occured when a reckless driver in a private vehicle ran into the participating troops, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuring several others.
He noted that the deceased soldier has been deposited in the mortuary, while the injured are currently receiving medical care at the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
The statement explained that the 81 Division Military Police, in conjunction with other relevant security agencies, are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division ,Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has since expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased soldier and prayed for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
He has also called for calm among the public, assuring that an investigation into the incident has commenced.
Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni assured that despite this devastating event, the 81 Division remains committed to its training and readiness to discharge its duties.
The division will continue to prioritize the safety and security of lives and properties within its area of operations, in accordance with the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate.
The incident explains some of the risks and sacrifices troops of the Nigerian Army are exposed to in the course of their duties, Enugu Reporters gathered.
