A soldier deployed for an internal security assignment in the Imota area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, has died after being struck on the head by a man suspected to be mentally unstable.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement on Tuesday, said the incident occurred around 4pm on November 16 while troops were working to calm rising tensions in the community. According to the statement, the soldier was attacked with a heavy stick during efforts to restore order.
“The soldier was struck on the head by a mentally unstable individual while attempting to de-escalate a tense situation in Imota.
Troops immediately neutralised the attacker and recovered the soldier’s rifle,” the statement said.
The victim was rushed to Ikorodu General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
He was later buried in accordance with Islamic rites in the presence of the Acting Commanding Officer and other senior officers of the 81 Division.
The Army expressed condolences to the soldier’s family and described him as a dedicated serviceman who died in the line of duty.
It added that the 81 Division has opened an investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The statement, signed by Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, noted that the division is aware of a viral video circulating online and assured the public that a comprehensive probe is underway.