Shock: Nigerian soldier kills self after killing wife

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Residents of Wawa Cantonment of Nigeria Army in Niger State have been thrown into mourning and shock following death of a soldier identified as Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi who killed himself shortly after murdering his wife.

Stephen Nwakwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were discovered dead dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment. He said the soldier had taken permission from duty within the Cantonment to attend to return him to take care of his personal needs and return to duty.

But he said the remains of the soldier and his wife were later discovered lying in their apartment.

Nwakwo said remains of the soldier and his wife have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation has since commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

While calling for calm over the incident, Nwakwo quoted the Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, as assuring that the circumstances that led to the tragic incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome relayed to the general public accordingly.

The Statement by Nwakwo reads: “The 22 Armored Brigade, Nigerian Army (NA), is aware of the news in respect of its personnel, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment who is suspected to have killed his wife and committed suicide. The tragic incident which occurred on 11 October 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, has caused a tensed atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such unfortunate incident.

“Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment. 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. This followed the discovery of the dead bodies lying 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.

The NA 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.

“The Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, assures the general public that the circumstances that led to the sad incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome relayed to the general public accordingly.

“The NA anticipates maximum understanding and cooperation of the public as always, assuring that the outcome of the investigation will not only be made public, rather, further scrutinised, and measures put in place to avoid future occurrences.