The Nigerian Army has reacted to the alleged killing of a newlywed soldier identified simply as Saheed by a policeman in the Ogijo area of Ogun State.
WITHIN NIGERIA had reported that the incident happened on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, when the policeman stabbed the victim to death.
The soldier, who reportedly got married in November 2022 was on mufti when the incident occurred
A source told newsmen, “The soldier was killed at Odogunyan by policemen, he was in mufti. Immediately they realised he was an officer, they ran away to Ogijo police station.”
Reacting to the sad incident, the 81 Division Nigerian Army Deputy Directors of Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, in a statement on Thursday, said the victim (soldier) allegedly confronted the suspect (policeman) who was not properly dressed and standing very close to a patrol vehicle of Operation MESA to confirm his identity.
The army spokesperson said, “This led to an argument and subsequently, the unfortunate incident. The soldier was immediately rushed to the Lagos State Polytechnic Hospital, Odogunyan for medical attention but he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.”
Ayeni added that, “The remains of the soldier have been moved to 174 Battalion Medical Centre in Ikorodu.”
He said the suspect was arrested and kept in military custody for his safety and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria police force for prosecution.
“However, the angry mob who witnessed the unfortunate incident took advantage of this and attacked the police station in the community. Troops have been deployed around the vicinity of all police stations in Ikorodu area to prevent breakdown of law and order. The situation is under control as normalcy has returned to the community,” Ayeni said.