Some soldiers operating under 81 Division of the Nigerian Army have rescued one Francesca Spark who plunged into the Lagos Lagoon around 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Marina Lagos in an attempt to take her own life.
The soldiers upon sighting Spark plunge in, quickly used their military riverine skills to rescue her.
She was given first aid and stabilized by the battalion medical team after her rescue, while her family was contacted.
This was disclosed by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Olabisi Ayeni, on Monday.
“After stabilization, the family was contacted and she was handed over to her husband, one Mr Spark Oghene Ovie residing at Awoyaya Lagos.
“The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division NA, Major General Muhammed Takuti Usman has commended the soldiers for being observant, and for their ingenuity, courage, and gallantry. 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.
“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.
“He assured residents of the NA’s commitment to protect them and their properties even during emergencies,” Ayeni said in a statement.
People jumping into the lagoon in an attempt to end their lives has become a recurring decimal in Lagos.
In August, a 30-year-old man, identified as Buka Abana, had jumped into the lagoon from the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge.
The suicide incident involving Abana was just one of many in the last three years. While some were lucky to have been rescued trying to jump into the lagoon, others like Abana died after plunging in.
