Nigerian soldier kills colleague, injures four, then commits suicide

A staff sergeant of the Nigerian Army identified as Adegor Okpako allegedly killed his colleague Saka, injured four others and killed himself at the 192 Battalion in the Gwoza area of Borno State.

It was learned that the incident occurred around 3pm on Wednesday during what was referred to as in-theatre training in the army base.

Adegor Okpako (left) killed himself at about 2:50 p.m. Wednesday

A source told the Punch that Okpako came to the army base two days before and embarked on a random shooting, adding that the four injured personnel were three soldiers and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force.

However, while some people claimed that Okpako deliberately killed Saka and injured four others before committing suicide, the Nigerian Army said it was a case of accidental discharge.

The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident on its Twitter page, saying the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, had ordered a board of enquiry to investigate the incident.

The Army said, “Accidental discharge kills two soldiers. We deeply regret to announce the death of two soldiers of the 192 Battalion, who lost their lives as a result of an accidental discharge during in-theatre training on Wednesday.

“The Chief of Army Staff has directed the Commander, 26 Brigade, Gwoza, to immediately constitute a board of inquiry to unravel the circumstances that led to this unfortunate situation.”