Residents of Wawa Cantonment in Niger State have been thrown into mourning after a soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, allegedly killed his wife before taking his own life.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday, October 11, 2025, was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Stephen Nwachukwu.
According to the statement, the lifeless bodies of the soldier and his wife were discovered in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters within the cantonment.
“The tragic incident which occurred on October 11, 2025, at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, has caused tension among residents, who remain shocked over the circumstances surrounding the act,” Nwachukwu said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Lance Corporal Femi, who was attached to the 221 Battalion, had been on duty earlier that day but requested permission from his superior to attend to personal matters before the tragedy occurred.
“The Nigerian Army deeply regrets this unfortunate incident and commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased. We pray for the peaceful repose of their souls,” Nwachukwu added.
He noted that the remains of the couple had been preserved, while investigations were ongoing to uncover the motive behind the act.
Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, also assured that findings from the investigation would be made public and that measures would be put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“This is a painful loss to the Nigerian Army community. We will ensure that the investigation is thorough and transparent,” Barkins said.
