Soldier attacked by mentally unstable man confirmed dead

By Evelyn Usman

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a soldier who was attacked by a mentally unstable man on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

A video that went viral on social media showed the lifeless body of the soldier lying in a pool of blood. The body of the attacker, dressed in tattered clothes, was also seen on the ground, while voices in the footage suggested that the attacker had shot the soldier with the deceased rifle.

However, a statement issued by the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army and signed by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, clarified that the deceased, who was deployed for internal security duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu, was struck on the head with a heavy log by the mentally unstable man.

The statement said the soldiers were attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation when the attacker struck from behind.

The statement read, “Without prejudice to the ongoing investigation into the incident, it is necessary to provide preliminary information on the circumstances surrounding the incident. On November 16, 2025, at about 4 pm, one of the soldiers deployed for internal security duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu, while attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation, was attacked by a mentally unstable individual. The attacker struck the soldier on the head with a heavy log, causing severe injury.

“The situation was swiftly brought under control by other soldiers at the scene, who neutralised the attacker and recovered the soldier’s weapon. The injured soldier was evacuated to Ikorodu General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was subsequently buried according to Islamic rites, with the acting commanding officer and other officers of the unit in attendance.”

The Division, according to the statement, had conveyed condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased soldier.

“We pray for the repose of his soul and appreciate his service to the nation. The division has also instituted an investigation into the incident,” it added.

While urging the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies, the statement also appealed for “responsible reporting on this incident, allowing our investigation to run its course.”

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