In the early hours of Friday, January 31, 2025, a tragic incident occurred near the Myoung Barracks in the Morocco area of Shomolu, Lagos State. A Toyota vehicle, reportedly carrying three young men, veered off course and struck a group of soldiers during their routine monthly road jog. Eyewitnesses fear that at least four soldiers have lost their lives, with several others sustaining injuries.
Priscilla, a local resident who witnessed the event, recounted, “The vehicle was moving at full speed before it hit the soldiers. It was a terrible sight.” Following the collision, the occupants of the vehicle allegedly attempted to flee but were apprehended by bystanders. In the ensuing commotion, the trio was reportedly beaten, their car vandalized, and one of the young men was stabbed.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian Army community in the Yaba and Ojuelegba areas, leading to heightened tensions. Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the exact number of casualties or the identities of those involved. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to the crash and to ascertain whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol, as some reports suggest.
This tragic event underscores the critical importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. As the community mourns the loss of the soldiers, there is a collective call for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Nigerian Army and relevant authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the public is urged to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could exacerbate the situation.
