Soldier dies by suicide in Front of Army Base in Abia State
Ohafia, Abia State — Tragedy struck at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks in Ohafia, Abia State, as a senior non-commissioned officer took his own life in front of the Forward Operation Base (FOB) gate. The soldier, identified as Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Vitalis from Okpuala, Ngor-Okpuala in Imo State, was attached to the 144 Battalion’s FOB at Ngwa High School, Abayi, Osisioma.
The incident occurred without warning, and the reasons behind CSM Vitalis’s decision to end his life remain unclear. No suicide note was found at the scene. Security sources emphasized that a thorough investigation is necessary to understand what led to this tragic event, cautioning against premature speculation.
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“There were no prior reports of domestic issues or disciplinary actions against CSM Vitalis from either the Battalion or the 14 Brigade Headquarters,” a source close to the investigation revealed. The CSM had been missing for the past two weeks, with all attempts by colleagues and military authorities to contact him proving unsuccessful.
His sudden reappearance and subsequent suicide shocked his fellow soldiers, especially since he was due to retire in October. The unexpected nature of his death has left many questions unanswered among his colleagues and the military community.
Efforts to reach the Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), Lt. Prince Innocent Omale, for an official statement were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages at the time of reporting.
The military has promised a discreet investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding CSM Vitalis’s death, urging patience and sensitivity as they work to understand this deeply distressing incident.
