Soldiers Rescue Woman Who Plunged into Lagos Lagoon

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under 81 Division last weekend prevented a suicide attempt by one Mrs. Francesca Spark, who plunged into the Lagos Lagoon around the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Marina, Lagos, in an attempt to take her own life.

The troops of 65 Battalion deployed at the Officers’ Mess, who sighted Spark quickly rushed to the scene to rescue her.

A statement signed by the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lt Col Olabisi Ayeni, said the personnel deployed “their military riverine skills and ingenuity to rescue her.

“She was given first aid and stabilised by the battalion medical team. After stabilisation, the family was contacted and she was handed over to her husband, Mr. Spark Oghene Ovie, residing at Awoyaya, Lagos.

It said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Muhammed Usman, commended the soldiers for being observant, and for their ingenuity, courage, and gallantry.

The GOC said he was pleased that soldiers brought their training in disaster management to bear in such a critical situation that could have claimed the life of a fellow citizen.

Maj Gen Usman, who said such operation was a military operation other than war conducted during emergencies or natural disasters, affirmed that troops were trained to support leading agencies during emergencies.

He assured Nigerians of the army’s commitment to protect them and their property even during emergencies.