A Nigerian Soldier has shot and killed a fellow soldier injuring four others in the process before shooting himself in an apparent suicide. The deceased soldiers were staff sergeants of the Nigerian Army, identified as Adegor Okpako and Saka.
The Nigeria army says they were killed while four others were injured in an incident at the 192 Battalion in the Gwoza area of Borno State.
The Army further said the incident which occurred around 3pm on Wednesday happened during in-theatre training in the army base adding that the deaths and injuries sustained were as a result of an accidental discharge.
Several other sources however disagree with the Nigeria Army over the circumstances that led to the deaths.
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Several individuals claimed that staff sergeant Okpako deliberately killed his fellow soldier Saka and injured four others before committing suicide
It was further discovered that Okpako had come to the army base two days earlier where he started shooting indiscriminately injuring four Army personnel in the process including three soldiers as well as a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
Confirming the incident via Twitter, the Nigerian Army said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, had ordered a board of enquiry to investigate the incident.
According to the Nigeria Army;
“Accidental discharge kills two soldiers. We deeply regret to announce the death of two soldiers of the 192 Battalion, who lost their lives as a result of an accidental discharge during in-theatre training on Wednesday.
The Chief of Army Staff has directed the Commander, 26 Brigade, Gwoza, to immediately constitute a board of inquiry to unravel the circumstances that led to this unfortunate situation.”
Nigerians are not buying the story of the Nigeria Army however, alleging that there is a cover up by the Army Authorities who refused to disclose the identities of the deceased soldiers.
Nigerians who discussed the matter extensively on twitter asked why the Nigeria Army would use live ammunition during training.
Read the reactions below;
@Eustace Njoku, “Why are they using live ammunition during training, how can that be possible? Is it how the Nigerian Armed Forces train?”
@Ajegun “uniformed men deserved to be celebrated when they die in the line of duty to boost the morale of those still serving.”
@ Emmanuel Shebbs, “This is highly dismissive of a soldier who threw his life into the rings for this nation. Please mention their names, upload their pictures, show them some respect and appreciate them for the times they showed devotion and loyalty in service. Is Nigeria really worth dying for?”
@Nkem, “We would appreciate names please; to show we honour them as individuals, not as numbers. We also would appreciate names of those killed by terrorists. They deserve that honour. Even military dogs in the West are recognised by names.”