By Kolawole Ojebisi
Tragedy struck the Nigeria military in the early hours of Friday when an apparently drunk driver rammed into troops during its bi-annual route march close to the Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State.
The Nigeria Army has since confirmed the tragic occurrence disclosing that the incident resulted in the death of one soldier.
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni.
According to Ayeni’s statement apart from the deceased soldier, many other officers sustained various degrees of injuries.
He said that the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos.
Ayeni added that the 81 Division Military Police and other relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident.
“The General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded. The GOC 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,” the statement added.
