The Nigerian army, part of the 81 Division, successfully intervened to prevent a suicide attempt by a woman named Mrs. Francesca Spark who had jumped into the Lagos Lagoon.
This information was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday morning by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations,Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.
Ayeni stated that the incident occurred near the 81 Division Officers’ Mess in Marina, Lagos.
“The troops of 65 Battalion NA deployed at the Officers’ Mess, who sighted Mrs Spark quickly used their military riverine skills and ingenuity to rescue her. She was given first aid and stabilized by the battalion medical team. After stabilization, the family was contacted and she was handed over to her husband, one Mr Spark Oghene Ovie residing at Awoyaya Lagos,” the statement partly read.
Major General Muhammed Takuti Usman, the General Officer Commanding of the 81 Division, praised the soldiers for their vigilance, resourcefulness, bravery, and valor.
The GOC expressed his satisfaction that the soldiers effectively applied their disaster management training in a critical situation that had the potential to result in the loss of a fellow citizen’s life. Major General Usman underscored the importance of military operations carried out in times of emergencies and natural disasters.
He verified that the troops have received comprehensive training to assist primary agencies during crisis situations.
Furthermore, he reassured local residents of the army’s commitment to protecting their welfare and property, especially during times of crisis.
