Contrary to initial reports of four fatalities, the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has clarified that only one soldier lost his life, while several others were injured in an accident during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks, Yaba, Lagos.
The route march is a regular Nigerian Army training exercise aimed at boosting operational preparedness, involving various army formations across Lagos State.
Persecondnews reported that a vehicle, allegedly driven by a drunk driver, crashed into a group of soldiers in the early hours of Friday.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, in a statement signed on Friday, expressed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased soldier.
Mijinyawa also offered prayers for the swift and full recovery of the injured soldiers.
He said: “The deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while those 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.”
Mijinyawa urged the public to remain calm as investigation into the unfortunate incident is currently underway.
Despite the tragic incident, the 81 Division remains resolute in its dedication to training and operational readiness, reaffirming its commitment to fulfilling its duties, the GOC said.
He added: “Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and property within its Area of Responsibility (AoR) in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate.”
Persecondnews recalls that the tragic incident occurred just 40 days after the launch of the Annual “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign by the Beer Sectoral Group and FRSC on December 19, 2024, which aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.
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