The Nigerian Army’s 81 Division has refuted claims that one of its operatives, Boyi ThankGod, attached to the 35 Artillery Brigade in Alamala, Abeokuta, Ogun State, shot himself dead. The division clarified that ThankGod’s death was not a result of suicide but rather stemmed from negligence, as he mishandled his firearms.
The incident occurred on Monday during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, where ThankGod, who was on barracks standby duty, allegedly shot himself in the head and died instantly. Initial reports suggested that the soldier took his own life due to depression, low morale, and discontent with the military system. Friends of ThankGod claimed he had already displayed a lack of interest in the Army and voiced concerns about corruption within the military and low morale.
In response to these reports, the military, through a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for the 81 Division, dismissed the claims as insinuations and misrepresentations. Ayeni refuted circulating social media reports that ThankGod ended his life because of non-payment of Ration Cash Allowance.
The military’s statement clarified that ThankGod was deployed for daily cantonment duty and was adequately fed in line with the standard for troops on duty. The investigation into the incident indicated that the soldier negligently mishandled his personal weapon, leading to the fatal misfire. The division expressed its commitment to welfare and emphasized that it takes the well-being of its troops seriously.
The remains of Thank God have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, and the division has informed the deceased soldier’s family, expressing condolences and sympathy over the unfortunate incident. Further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances and possible remote cause of the incident.
