The Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into the circumstances that led a soldier, Lance Corporal Akinyele Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, to kill his wife and commit suicide on October 11.

Capt. Stephen Nwankwo, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, explained in a statement that Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, in the Cantonment.

Nwankwo said 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. He said thereafter, the dead bodies of the soldier and his wife were discovered 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,” he said.

According to Nwankwo, the tragedy has caused a tense atmosphere, leaving the barracks’ residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate incident.

“The Nigerian Army 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.”

Meanwhile, the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ezra Barkins, has assured that the outcome of the investigation would be made known to the public, while measures would be put in place to avoid future occurrences of such a sad incident.