Several soldiers attached to Myoung Barracks in Lagos are feared dead after a suspected drunken driver plowed into a unit of military personnel during their morning physical training.
The tragic incident occurred early Friday morning, sending shockwaves through the military community as families and colleagues anxiously sought updates on those involved, Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports.
“There’s blood everywhere. I was lucky to escape because I was at the back,” a soldier who witnessed the crash told our reporter.
According to the soldier, three young men were inside the vehicle that rammed into the troops near the Myoung Barracks Army Sports Camp.
They are suspected to be internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as Yahoo boys.
One of them fled the scene immediately after the crash, while the remaining two were caught and severely beaten by onlookers.
Their vehicle was also vandalized in the aftermath of the incident.
The collision left many soldiers critically injured, with unconfirmed reports suggesting multiple fatalities.
The exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed, but the scene was described as devastating.
Military authorities have since cordoned off the area while emergency responders work to evacuate the wounded.
Witnesses said the driver appeared intoxicated and lost control of the vehicle before it crashed into the marching soldiers.
The reckless nature of the accident has fueled outrage among both military personnel and civilians, with many calling for stricter measures against reckless driving and criminal activities linked to suspected Yahoo boys.
A military source at Myoung Barracks revealed that top officials have been briefed on the incident and are expected to issue an official statement soon.
Meanwhile, soldiers at the barracks remain on high alert, mourning their fallen colleagues and demanding justice.
Security operatives have since taken the two apprehended suspects into custody, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Military authorities are also expected to conduct an internal review to assess whether additional safety measures should be implemented to protect soldiers during routine exercises.
The tragic loss of soldiers in such a manner has once again highlighted the dangers posed by reckless drivers and criminal elements.
Many within the barracks community are still coming to terms with the horrifying event, while families of the affected soldiers await official confirmation of their loved ones’ fate.
As investigations continue, the military and relevant security agencies are expected to take decisive action to ensure that those responsible for this tragedy face the full weight of the law.
