By Charles Igbo
The Nigerian Army has admitted that one of its personnel gruesomely murdered his pregnant lover.
The Army personnel, identified as Private Adamu Muhammad, invited his girlfriend, Miss Hauwakulu Tabra from Biu to Enugu where he is serving. But on arrival, Muhammad, who is, also, from Biu, Borno State, slit his girlfriend’s throat in the night of April 12, and stabbed her on a number of places, including her stomach. Her body was allegedly discovered by the daughter of an officer behind the Officers’ Quarters at the 82 Division, Enugu.
On arrest and interrogation, Private Adamu, service No, 21NA/80/0365 said he killed her because the pregnancy was not his, and that he was not ready to be a father.
A couple of sources insist that Adamu, who was recruited into the Nigerian Army is a repentant Boko Haram member who has not been weaned of the violence and brutality associated with the terrorist group.
However, while the Army admits that its personnel killed his pregnant girlfriend, it strongly Denies that Adamu was Boko Haram, and insists there is no Boko Haram repentant in the Nigerian Army.
Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations who issued statement on Sunday on the killing soldier’s pregnant by the soldier said:
“The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a publication by Sahara Reporters on 13 April 2024 tilted, “Repented Boko Haram Member Enlisted into Nigerian Army slits Woman’s throat in Enugu Barracks, Hides Corpse.”
“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 extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased Miss Hauwakulu Tabra and also emphatically assert that at no time has the NA enlisted repentant Boko Haram members into its fold as mischievously insinuated.
“The general public should be rest assured that justice will be served, as the NA will not condone any unprofessional conduct or indiscipline within its ranks.”
