A Nigerian soldier, Femi Akinleye, has allegedly killed his wife before taking his own life at their residence at the Wawa Cantonment in Niger State.
The 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday, describing it as a “tragic incident” that has left the barracks community in shock.
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According to the statement signed by Stephen Nwankwo, a captain and Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the incident occurred on Friday, 11 October, at the Corporals and Below Quarters, Block 15, Room 24, within the cantonment.
Preliminary investigations, the army said, revealed that Mr Akinleye, a lance corporal, was on duty at the time before seeking permission from his superior to briefly attend to personal matters at home.
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He, however, never returned to his post, the army said, adding the lifeless bodies of the couple were later discovered in their apartment.
The incident “has caused a tense atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate occurrence,” the statement read in part.
The remains of the deceased have been preserved as the army launches a probe to unravel what led to the incident.
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The commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Ezra Barkins, a brigadier general, assured that the probe would be thorough and that the findings would be made public.
He also vowed that preventive measures would be introduced to avert similar occurrences in the future.
“The Nigerian Army deeply regrets this unfortunate loss,” the statement added. “We commiserate with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased and pray for the peaceful repose of their souls.”
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