Sophia Michaels
A married woman, Francesca Spark who attempted to jump into a lagoon to end her life has been rescued by men of the Nigerian Army.
The soldiers operating under 81 Division NA were passing through the Lagos Lagoon around 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Marina Lagos when they noticed the woman attempting to take her own life.
Acting Deputy Director, of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col Olabisi Ayeni, gave details of the rescue in a statement made available to journalists on Monday morning.
According to him, after the successful rescue, the woman was given first aid and stabilized by the battalion medical team, adding that after stabilization, the family was contacted, and she was handed over to her husband, one Mr Spark Oghene Ovie, residing at Awoyaya Lagos.
The statement said, “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.
“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.”
The GOC assured residents of the NA’s commitment to protect them and their properties even during emergencies.
