The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of an officer, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, who is suspected of having killed his wife and committed suicide.
The tragic incident which occurred on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, the Army said, has caused a tense atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate incident.
According to the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Femi, up until his demise, was serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment.
Providing details, Nwankwo on Monday noted that 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.
However, failure to resume duty led to further check-up by the army, thus leading to the discovery of the dead bodies lying in their apartment.
The 22 Armourd 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.
“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” Nwankwo revealed.
The Army neither indicated the cause of death, but noted that an “in-depth investigation has since commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident”.
”The remains of the deceased have been preserved” it revealed.
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 Army further seek the maximum understanding and cooperation of the public, 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.
“The NA deeply regrets this, while it commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased over the painful loss and also prays for the peaceful repose of their souls” the statement noted.
