A reckless driver has, on Friday morning, run over troops during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks by the 81 Division Headquarters, Nigerian Army (NA) in Yaba, Lagos, Lagos State.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt Col Olabisi Olaleka Ayeni, said the accident claimed one soldier, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The ugly incident has sparked outrage and raised further concerns about road safety and responsible driving on Nigerian roads.
The route march, which is an NA training exercise designed to enhance operational readiness, comprised NA formations across Lagos State.
The exercise had earlier been announced on various media platforms to create public awareness.
Unfortunately, a reckless driver in a private vehicle, rammed the participating troops resulting in the death of a soldier with others sustaining 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 the avoidable tragedy.
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
He has, however, called for calm among the public as investigation into the sad incident has commenced.
He said the division would remain steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite the tragedy.
According to him, the tragic loss will not deter the division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens within its Area of Operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate.