The 81 division of the Nigerian Army on Friday launched an investigation into the accident that claimed the life of a soldier during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State.
In a press statement by the acting deputy director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lt Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the general officer commanding 81 Division, Major Gen Farouk Mijinyawa, called for calm as an investigation into the sad occurrence has commenced.
According to Ayeni, the accident led to the death of one soldier while others were injured, saying the Division Military Police, in conjunction with other relevant security agencies, is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident.
“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.
“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.”
Lt. Col. Ayeni said the GOC assures that tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations by the NA’s constitutional mandate.
“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 by the NA’s constitutional mandate.”