By Obinna Uballa
A pall of grief has descended on Wawa Cantonment in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State after a serving soldier, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, allegedly killed his wife before committing suicide.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued on Monday by Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, confirmed the tragic incident, which occurred on October 11, 2025.
According to the statement, the couple’s lifeless bodies were discovered in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters within the cantonment.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier, who was on duty within the cantonment, sought permission from his superior to attend to personal matters but never returned,” Captain Nwankwo stated. “The corpses were later found in their residence.”
He noted that the incident has left the entire barracks community in shock, as residents struggle to come to terms with the tragedy and what might have led to it.
The Army has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“The Nigerian Army deeply regrets this unfortunate incident and commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased. We pray for the peaceful repose of their souls,” the statement added.
Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, assured that the probe would be thorough and that findings would be made public upon conclusion.
He further pledged that measures would be put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future, urging for calm and public understanding as the investigation continues.
