News
Nigerian Soldier Opens Fire, Kills Senior Officer – Shot Down In Sokoto
Eko Hot Blog reports in a tragic incident on Sunday at approximately 6:05 pm, a soldier identified as James Kingsley opened fire and killed a Second Lieutenant, OC Ukachuckwu, at the Forward Operational Base in Magami, Sokoto.
The soldier, attached to Team 3 for Operation HADARIN DAJI, was later gunned down by fellow soldiers after he went berserk.
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A military source confirmed the unfortunate event, stating that some of James Kingsley’s colleagues were also injured during the incident but are currently in stable condition in the hospital.
A military signal indicated the sequence of events, as Major MD Mikaailu reported, “CPL JAMES KINGSLEY FROM 26BN ATT TO TEAM 3 FOR OPHD FIRED 2LT OC UKACHUKWU (N/19548) AT TANGO 2 FOB MAGAMI (.) THE SLDRS WENT ON FIRING EVERYONE ON SIGHT(.) AND HE WAS GUNNED DOWN BY FELLOW SLDRS PRESENT AT THE TANGO.”
This tragic event raises concerns about the mental health of Nigerian soldiers, especially those engaged in the fight against Boko Haram.
The incident follows a pattern of similar occurrences, prompting questions about the adequacy of mental and psychological support for soldiers facing the challenges of insurgency in the North-East.
In March 2023, a soldier fighting Boko Haram opened fire on a colleague, resulting in the death of Private Diko.
The altercation reportedly arose from an argument between the two soldiers.
Similar incidents occurred in 2023, with Lance Corporal Nwobodo Chinoso shooting the Commander of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Rabah in Sokoto, Lt. Sam Oladapo, along with other colleagues, before taking his own life.
The recurring nature of such cases has sparked concerns about the welfare, treatment, and mental health support provided to soldiers stationed in conflict zones.
Complaints about poor welfare, extended deployments, and inadequate psychological care have been voiced by soldiers battling depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The military hierarchy’s handling of these cases, including rotations and support systems, has become a subject of scrutiny as these incidents continue to pose a threat to the well-being of Nigerian soldiers engaged in combating insurgency.
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The tragic event in Sokoto emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the mental health protocols and support mechanisms available to soldiers on the front lines.
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