A yet-to-be-identified driver has caused a fatal accident near the Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State, resulting in the death of a female army officer and injuries to several other military personnel and civilians. The incident occurred during the bi-annual route march of the soldiers, which involved over 100 personnel and civilians passing through the area at 7 a.m. on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver appeared to be drunk when his vehicle collided with the marching soldiers and civilians. The impact caused the female officer to somersault, leading to her tragic death, while others sustained varying degrees of injury.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Incident
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and harrowing. A woman at the NAEME Officer’s Mess, Marda Barracks, who spoke to FRONTPAGE on condition of anonymity, revealed that the deceased was a lieutenant colonel. She added that several other soldiers were injured in the accident.
A top officer who was among the victims shared his near-death experience. “I saw the car coming and jumped to the other side of the road. He could see us marching; he just acted like a suicide bomber. He was speeding,” the officer said.
At the Myhoung Barracks, a tricycle operator who witnessed the incident stated that the car rammed into the female officer, causing her head to hit the ground. He claimed that the soldiers severely beat the suspect before taking him to their hospital, while the person accompanying him in the car was locked up in the guardroom.
The tricycle rider added that 18 soldiers suffered broken arms and legs and were taken to the army hospital for treatment. “We were chased away. Had it been you came earlier, you wouldn’t see anybody here,” he said.
Another eyewitness opposite the barracks confirmed that one soldier died, while 18 others were injured. She also mentioned that a Nescafé trader was among the injured, and his whereabouts remained unknown.
A shoemaker beside the barracks noted that the soldiers were visibly angry after the incident. “The driver was beaten, and they carried him away,” the shoemaker said.
Nimota, a woman who witnessed the accident, stated, “The soldiers were marching when the car rammed into them and passersby.”
Army Confirms the Incident
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, confirmed the accident and the death of the soldier. He stated that the remains of the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary, while the injured soldiers were receiving medical care at the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
When contacted by FRONTPAGE, Ayeni declined to disclose the identity of the deceased officer, citing the need to inform the family first.
A Call for Justice and Road Safety
The tragic incident has sparked outrage among residents and military personnel, who are calling for justice and stricter enforcement of road safety regulations. The alleged drunk driving and reckless behavior of the suspect have raised concerns about the need for stronger measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
Road safety advocates have emphasized the importance of responsible driving, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic. According to a representative of a road safety organization, “This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. We must all work together to ensure the safety of our roads.”
The Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The suspect is currently in custody, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. The army has assured the public that the matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves, and the suspect will face the full wrath of the law.
The injured soldiers and civilians are receiving medical treatment, and the army has pledged to provide the necessary support to the victims and their families.
Conclusion
The tragic accident near the Myhoung Barracks in Yaba has left one army officer dead and several others injured, highlighting the dangers of drunk driving and the need for increased road safety measures. The swift response of the military and the ongoing investigation demonstrate the commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.
As the community mourns the loss of the brave officer, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the need for collective efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.
