By Wellington Jopelo
A routine traffic situation in Lagos escalated into controversy after a soldier allegedly assaulted a journalist during a confrontation on a busy road.
The victim, Olalekan Fakoyejo, recounted that the incident happened while he was travelling from Ikeja to Ogba in a commercial tricycle.
According to him, soldiers were controlling traffic near the Pleasant Event Centre when one of them stopped a tricycle rider and imposed an unusual punishment that worsened congestion.
Frustrated by the delay, Fakoyejo reportedly commented that the soldier’s actions were responsible for the gridlock, a remark that triggered the confrontation.
The soldier allegedly overheard him, ordered him out of the tricycle, and dragged him during the exchange.
Witnesses said the situation quickly escalated, with the officer slapping the journalist and threatening further action before bystanders intervened.
In the process, Fakoyejo’s phone reportedly fell to the ground and was damaged during the altercation.
Video footage of the incident later surfaced online, drawing public criticism and raising fresh concerns about the conduct of security personnel in civilian spaces.
At the time of reporting, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official statement addressing the incident.
The development has reignited conversations around press freedom and the safety of journalists carrying out their duties across the country.
Observers say the incident highlights the need for stricter accountability and better engagement between security agencies and the public.
For now, the episode remains under scrutiny as calls grow for disciplinary action and protection for media professionals.