CITIZENS COMPASS –A senior non-commissioned officer serving in Abia State, has reportedly died of suicide four months to his retirement.
The deceased, identified as Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Vitalis, served under the 14 Brigade Headquarters, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barrack, in Ohafia, Abia State.
He was an indigene of Okpuala in Ngor-Okpuala, Imo State, and was attached to the 144 Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOB) located at Ngwa High School, Abayi, Osisioma Local Government Area.
He was said to have shot himself in front of the FOB gate for an undisclosed reason(s).
No suicide note was left behind. Until his death, there were no reported cases of domestic violence or disciplinary actions against him by the army authorities at either the Battalion or the 14 Brigade Headquarters. Colleagues reported that Vitalis had been missing for the past two weeks and had been unreachable despite several attempts to contact him. He unexpectedly returned to the camp and took his life, shocking his colleagues.
Vitalis was nearing his retirement, which was scheduled for October, adding to the surprise and confusion among his peers regarding his suicide.
The Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), Lt. Prince Innocent Omale, did not respond to calls or messages regarding the incident.
