The Nigerian Army has said soldiers operating under 81 Division prevented a suicide attempt by one Mrs Francesca Spark, who plunged into the Lagos lagoon around 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Marina, in an attempt to take her own life.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Lt.-Col Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, on Monday.
Ayeni said, “Nigerian Army (NA) soldiers operating under 81 Division NA have gallantly prevented a suicide attempt by one Mrs Francesca Spark who plunged into the Lagos Lagoon around 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Marina Lagos in an attempt to take her own life,”
“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 she was stabilized, the family was contacted and she was handed over to her husband, Mr. Spark Oghene Ovie residing at Awoyaya Lagos.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division NA, Major General Muhammad Usman lauded the soldiers for their gallantry in rescuing the lady.
“The GOC said he is 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,” the Army added.
“Maj Gen Usman who said such an operation is a military operation other than war conducted during emergencies or natural disasters affirmed that troops have been trained to support leading agencies during emergencies.”