A soldier serving at the 14 Brigade Headquarters, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Barrack in Ohafia, Abia State, attached to the 144 Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOB) at Ngwa High School, Abayi, Osisioma Local Government Area, has tragically taken his own life.
The soldier, identified as Vitalis, a senior non-commissioned officer (Command Sergeant Major or CSM) from Okpuala in Ngor-Okpuala, Imo State, shot himself in front of the FOB gate.
As of the time of reporting, the motive behind his decision to end his life at the army camp remains unknown, as no suicide note was found.
Sources within the state’s security agencies emphasized that a discreet investigation is necessary to uncover the reasons behind his actions, cautioning against speculation that could prejudice the army’s investigation.
According to these sources, there were no reports of domestic violence or disciplinary issues against Vitalis from either the Battalion or the 14 Brigade Headquarters prior to his death. Colleagues and military authorities had been unable to locate him for the past two weeks, during which he was unreachable.
The sudden return of Vitalis to the army camp and his subsequent suicide has left his colleagues shocked, especially considering that he was due to retire from service in October.
Despite attempts to reach the Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), Lt. Prince Innocent Omale, for comment, calls and messages to his WhatsApp remained unanswered at the time of filing this report.
