One Nigerian soldier has died after a drunk driver rams into them at a location in Lagos state, Nigeria injuring several others. The tragic incident happened in the early hours of today Friday 31st, January 2025.
Military officers attached to the Myhoung Barracks, Yaba, Lagos were rammed into while outside the barrack observing their monthly road jogging exercise.
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An eyewitness identified as Priscilla revealed to The Punch that the driver of the vehicle that rammed into the military officers had three young male occupants and was coming at a high speed.
Priscilla also mentioned that the occupants of the said vehicle attempted to escape but were eventually apprehended by people around and seriously beaten while their vehicle was destroyed further causing panic and unrest in the area.
In a press statement confirming the tragic event, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations of the 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni stated that the deceased has been deposited in a mortuary while the injured soldiers are currently receiving medical care.
Olabisi also stated that the 81 Division Nigerian Military Police in conjunction with other relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident.
He wrote:
Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident that occurred this morning, Friday 31 January 2025, during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State.
The route march, which is an NA training exercise designed to enhance operational readiness, involved NA formations across Lagos State. The exercise had earlier been announced on various media platforms to create public awareness.
Tragically, a driver in a private vehicle recklessly ran into the participating troops resulting in the death of a soldier with others sustaining various degrees of injuries.
The deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos.The 81 Division Military Police in conjunction with other relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident.
In the press statement, Olabisi also mentioned that the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and extended prayers of speedy recovery for the injured who are currently undergoing treatment at the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
He wrote:
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, wishes to express his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded. He has also called for calm among the public as investigation into the sad occurrence has commenced. The Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite this devastating event. Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate.
