A routine military exercise in Lagos State took a tragic turn on Friday when a private vehicle recklessly plowed into Nigerian Army troops, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to several others.
The incident occurred near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba during the 81 Division Nigerian Army’s Bi-Annual Route March, a training exercise aimed at enhancing operational readiness.
In an official statement, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, confirmed the unfortunate loss of a soldier, whose remains have been transferred to the mortuary,
while the injured personnel are currently receiving treatment at the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba.
The 81 Division Military Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, has launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
Reacting to the development, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and wished the injured soldiers a swift recovery.
He further urged the public to remain calm as the investigation progresses, assuring that the Division remains resolute in fulfilling its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property despite this heartbreaking event.
“This devastating loss will not deter our commitment to safeguarding our Area of Operations. The Division remains steadfast in its duty to uphold national security,” the statement emphasized.
The Bi-Annual Route March, a core element of the Nigerian Army’s training regimen, was being conducted across various formations in Lagos State when the tragic accident occurred.
