Tragedy struck in the Morocco area of Shomolu, Lagos, as four soldiers attached to the Myoung Barracks were feared dead, while several others sustained injuries after a suspected drunk driver rammed into them.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday during the soldiers' routine monthly road jog outside the barracks. According to eyewitness accounts, a speeding Toyota vehicle occupied by three young men plowed into the group of soldiers, causing chaos and casualties.
An eyewitness, Priscilla, who resides in the area, recounted the harrowing scene. She stated that after the crash, the occupants of the vehicle attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended by an angry crowd. The suspects were beaten severely, and their vehicle was vandalized. One of them was reportedly stabbed in the altercation.
“The soldiers were engaged in their routine morning jog when the young men, driving at full speed, crashed into them right in front of the barracks,” Priscilla said. “Four soldiers died on the spot, while many others sustained serious injuries. When the accident happened, the young men tried to escape, but they were caught and beaten mercilessly. One of them was even stabbed.”
The incident has sparked tension in the neighborhood, leaving residents on edge. As of the time of this report, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Olabisi Ayeni, and the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the situation.
