Soldier due for retirement in 5 months commits suicide

Soldier due for retirement in 5 months commits suicide

A senior non-commissioned Command Sergeant Major (CSM), whose name was given as Vitalis, an indigene of Okpuala in Ngor-Okpuala of Imo State, has committed suicide.

Neptune Prime gathered that the army personnel shot himself in front of the FOB gate.

The soldier was serving under the 14 Brigade Headquarters, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Barrack, Ohafia, Ohafia local government area of Abia State, attached to the 144 Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOB) located at Ngwa High School, Abayi, Osisioma local government area of the state.

The reason for the decision to take his life in front of the army camp has not been known at the time of filing the report as there was no note.

Sources within security agencies in the state said that only a discreet investigation would unravel what could have prompted him to take his life, adding that any attempt to suggest what could have led to his decision to kill himself could be prejudice to the outcome of the investigation of the leadership of army in the state.

According to sources, until the death of the soldier, there was no reported case of domestic violence or work related disciplinary action to be against him by army authorities at the Battalion or 14 Brigade Headquarters respectively.

READ ALSO: Again, Nigerian soldier kills colleagues, commits suicide in Borno

It was gathered that the CSM suddenly disappeared without any trace to his whereabouts for the past two weeks. He remained incommunicado as several attempts to reach him by colleagues and military authorities failed.

He was said to have returned to the army camp and shot himself to the surprise of colleagues.

It was gathered that the deceased would have retired from service in October, leaving his colleagues shocked as to why he chose to take his life.

The Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), Lt. Prince Innocent Omale, is expected to issue a statement regarding the unfortunate incident.