The Nigerian Army has commenced investigations into an incident in which a soldier is suspected of murdering his wife and then proceeding to kill himself.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, the incident involved a soldier identified as Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Army said the incident has created a tense atmosphere in the barracks and that an investigation has been opened into the matter.
Nwanko narrated that the incident occurred on October 11 in Niger State as Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment.
The statement added that according to preliminary investigation, Lance Corporal Femi had earlier requested permission from his superior to attend to personal needs and return to duty, but the dead bodies of himself and his wife were subsequently discovered lying in their apartment.
The Army noted that the remains of the deceased have been preserved and requested members of the public to give maximum cooperation and understanding as they work to unravel the issue.
“The 22 Armourd Brigade, Nigerian Army (NA), is aware of the news in respect of its personnel, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment who is suspected to have killed his wife and committed suicide.
“The tragic incident which occurred on 11 October 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, has caused a tensed atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such unfortunate incident.
“Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier was on duty within the Cantonment, and had sought permission from his superior to attend to personal needs and return to duty. This followed the discovery of the dead bodies lying in their apartment.
“The remains of the deceased have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation has since commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
“The NA deeply regrets this, while it commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased over the painful loss. The army also prays for the peaceful repose of their souls.
“The Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, assures the general public that the circumstances that led to the sad incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome relayed to the general public accordingly.
“The NA anticipates maximum understanding and cooperation of the public as always, assuring that the outcome of the investigation will not only be made public, rather, further scrutinised, and measures put in place to avoid future occurrences,” the statement read.
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