A Nigerian Soldier, Private Azunna Maduabuchi has shot and killed his Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Babakaka Shehu Ngorgi.
Maduabuchi is reported to have fired 8 rounds on the Lieutenant at close range, killing him instantly. The reports add that the troupe they belonged to had only just returned from a complex operation against the Boko Haram Terrorists.
Nigerian Army sources confirm that the aggressor has been arrested and taken into custody for investigation.
The newly married Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Ngorgi was an adjutant of the 202 Tank Battalion, in Bama. He graduated in 2016 from the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 63 regular course following which he was commissioned into the Nigerian Army.
There have been calls for soldiers deployed to theatres of war to undergo regular mental evaluation especially those involved in the current counter insurgency and counter-terrorism war against Boko Haram.
The Nigerian Army through Col Sagir Musa has confirmed the shooting of the Commanding Officer by the Soldier in a statement issued on Thursday.
Excerpts of the statement:
“A trooper of the Nigerian Army serving in 202 Battalion of 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama Borno State went berserk at about 10:30 hours on the 29th of July and fired at an officer (a Subaltern) which led to his death.
“The incident happened when the soldier approached the officer who was standing in front of the Units Headquarters making a phone call. The soldier has been arrested, is in custody undergoing investigation. General situation in the unit is calm.
“The remains of the deceased has been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital”
“Investigation into the case has since been instituted to determine the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.
“The family of the deceased has already been contacted. The Nigerian Army sympathises and condoles with the family at this trying moment and pray to the Almighty God to repose the soul of the departed and grant his family and other loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
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