OHAFIA, Nigeria – In a tragic incident, a senior non-commissioned officer serving under the 14 Brigade Headquarters at Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Barrack in Ohafia, Abia State, took his own life.
The soldier, identified as Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Vitalis, shot himself in front of the Forward Operation Base (FOB) gate located at Ngwa High School, Abayi, Osisioma Local Government Area.
CSM Vitalis, an indigene of Okpuala in Ngor-Okpuala, Imo State, ended his life for reasons that remain unclear, as no suicide note was found at the scene.
The incident has left the military community and local residents in shock.
Sources within security agencies indicated that a discreet investigation is underway to determine the cause of the suicide.
They cautioned against speculation, emphasizing that premature conclusions could compromise the integrity of the investigation.
“There were no reported cases of domestic violence or work-related disciplinary actions against him by army authorities at the Battalion or 14 Brigade Headquarters,” a source close to the investigation stated.
It was reported that CSM Vitalis had been missing for the past two weeks, during which all attempts to reach him by colleagues and military authorities were unsuccessful.
His sudden return to the army camp and subsequent suicide has baffled his peers, especially given that he was due to retire from service in October.
Efforts to get an official statement from the Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), Lt. Prince Innocent Omale, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages sent to his WhatsApp line.
The death of CSM Vitalis has cast a somber mood over the 144 Battalion and the broader military community, prompting a closer look at the mental health and well-being of military personnel.
The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances leading to this tragic event and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
