The Nigerian Army has denied claims that a soldier identified as Boyi Thankgod, stationed at the 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta, committed suicide on Monday, January 16th.
The incident occurred on the day Nigeria marked its Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Responding to reports citing Mr. Thankgod’s alleged non-payment of Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) as a motive for suicide, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, issued a statement clarifying the circumstances.
“Investigation into the immediate cause of the incident indicates that the deceased soldier reportedly handled his personal weapon negligently and misfired, resulting in his death,” the statement reads.
The statement added: “His (deceased) colleagues who heard the sound of a gunshot had rushed to the scene of the incident, only to find the soldier in the pool of his blood with gunshot wounds on the head.
“Further investigation has since commenced to unravel the circumstances and possible remote cause of the unfortunate incident, while the remains of the soldier have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
“The Division, through the Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, has informed the deceased family and also expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathy over the unfortunate incident.
“It is, however, pertinent to reiterate that the Division is committed to providing the necessary welfare required to boost the morale of troops under command in line with the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy. Therefore, the Division will not under any guise take the welfare of its troops lightly as wrongly insinuated”.
