A tragic incident occurred this morning in the Yaba area of Lagos, where an unspecified number of soldiers lost their lives after being hit by a car during a routine route march.
The soldiers, from the Myong barracks under the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, were participating in a bi-annual exercise aimed at boosting “operational readiness, physical fitness, resilience, morale, and preparedness for tasks.
Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene, with one soldier saying, “There’s blood everywhere. I was spared because I was at the back”. The driver, allegedly intoxicated, crashed into the soldiers during the 15-kilometer march, leaving several motionless and rushed to the hospital.
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As of now, the exact number of casualties is unknown, but it’s confirmed that some soldiers have died, while others remain unconscious. Two occupants of the vehicle were apprehended, while the third suspect escaped.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, has confirmed the incident, stating that an official release will follow.