The Nigerian Army has announced the detention of one of its soldiers serving in the 82 Division, Enugu, Private Adamu Muhammad, for allegedly killing his lover, Miss Hauwakulu Tabra inside the Airborne and Amphibious part of the division, The Nation reports.
The incident, which was said to have happened on Thursday, was reportedly discovered on Friday by the daughter of an army lieutenant around the division’s officers quarters.
It was rumoured that the alleged killer soldier was a repented Boko Haram member, who after his repentance joined the Civilian Joint Task Force and was later enlisted into the Nigerian Army in the year 2021.
But, reacting in a statement issued by the director, Army Public Relations Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Sunday, the army, while regretting the killing of Miss Tabra, confirmed the detention of the alleged killer soldier, Muhammad.
The army also insisted that there was no time it enlisted repentant Boko Haram members into its service.
The statement reads: “Much as it is highly regrettable that a young lady lost her life in the hands of a man with whom she was in an amorous relationship, the incident should not be latched on to insinuate a laughable claim that the dastardly act was committed by a repentant Boko Haram recruited into the Nigerian Army.”
“It is pertinent therefore to clear the air on the allegation as insinuated by Sahara Reporters.”
“The NA has at no point in time, either in the past or present enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength. However, considerations were given to Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East distinguished themselves morally and patriotically. Such members of the CJTF must have also shown commitment, dedication and loyalty to the service and the nation.”
“The sad incident of the gruesome murder of Miss Hauwakulu Tabra by Private Adamu Muhammad occurred on the night of Thursday 11 April 2024 and her corpse was discovered within the barracks on Friday 12 April 2024.”
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the late Hauwakulu Tabra was actually murdered by the said soldier, who is presently in detention for further investigation to unravel the motive behind his actions.”
The Nigerian Army used the statement to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased Miss Hauwakulu Tabra and also asserted that at no time has the NA enlisted repentant Boko Haram members into its fold as mischievously insinuated.
The statement urged general public to be rest assured that justice would be served, as the NA would not condone any unprofessional conduct or indiscipline within its ranks.
