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By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a soldier who was attacked and killed by an alleged mentally unstable man in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos.
The incident occurred on Monday evening at the Ikorodu area of Lagos when the soldier, who was deployed for internal security operations, attempted to de-escalate a chaotic situation when he was struck on the head with a heavy log.
According to a statement from the spokesman of the force at the 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, soldiers at the scene quickly subdued the attacker, recovered the soldier’s weapon and evacuated the victim to the Ikorodu General Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead. The fallen soldier was thereafter, buried according to Islamic rites, with the acting Commanding Officer and other officers in attendance.
The statement said the 81 Division expressed deep condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased, describing his death as a painful loss to the Nigerian Army.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and appreciate his service to the nation,” the Division said.
Investigation into the incident has been instituted, while the Army urged members of the public to exercise caution and promptly report suspicious behaviour to security agencies. The Division also called for responsible reporting, appealing to the public to allow the investigative process to run its course.
Earlier reports said the mentally unstable man ceased the rifle of the soldier at a checkpoint and used same rifle on the soldier.
A witnesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity said “An insane man snatched a military man’s rifle and shot him dead at a check point. It happened at Adeogun bridge in Agbowa.”
