Tragedy in Lagos: Soldier Killed, Others Injured as Driver Rams into Troops During Routine Exercise

A routine military exercise turned tragic on Friday morning when a driver rammed into Nigerian Army troops during their bi-annual route march near Myoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State. The incident resulted in the death of a soldier, with several others sustaining serious injuries.  

The soldiers, attached to Myoung Barracks in the Morocco area of Shomolu, were on their regular road jog outside the barracks when the driver plowed into them. Eyewitnesses reported that the incident caused panic in the area, with some soldiers attempting to apprehend the driver and his passengers.  

According to a witness, "Four soldiers were initially feared dead, and many others were seriously injured. The driver and his passengers tried to flee but were caught and severely beaten. Their vehicle was also vandalized in the aftermath."  

In an official statement, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, confirmed the death of a soldier and multiple injuries among the troops. He stated that the deceased’s body has been deposited in the mortuary, while the injured are receiving treatment at the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba.  

Ayeni further assured that the 81 Division Military Police, along with other security agencies, has launched a thorough investigation into the incident.  

Reacting to the tragedy, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased soldier and wished the injured a swift recovery. He also urged the public to remain calm as investigations unfold.  

“The Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and operational readiness, despite this unfortunate event. This tragic loss will not deter our dedication to safeguarding lives and property within our area of operations, in line with our constitutional mandate,” the statement read.  
The incident has sparked concern among residents of Yaba and its environs, as many expressed fears over the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure justice is served and to prevent a recurrence of such an unfortunate incident.