Newly commissioned Army Officer Found Dead

A newly-commissioned  Army officer has been found dead at Mabushi Bridge inwards Abuja.

The body of VL Henry, a second lieutenant, was found beside Mabushi Bridge inwards Utako at about 8.40 a.m. on Tuesday morning, military sources said.

The deceased was found with his military identity card and severe cuts and bruises to his head, sources said.

Army officials who spoke under anonymity because they were not authorised  told Premiumtimes  that the death was being officially treated as a homicide that might have occurred due to an altercation between the officer and unknown persons or an attack from violent criminals overnight.

Mr Henry’s death came barely a few days after he completed an amphibious course in Calabar on October 18.

He had been serving at the Nigerian Army 3 Division Provost Group in Jos. His remains had been unloaded at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, sources said. It was unclear whether notification of next of kin has been completed, as per military policy.

Meanwhile, senior military officers are baffled that Mr Henry’s death occurred just between Mabushi Bridge and Utako, an upscale area within the Abuja city centre.

As investigation into Mr Henry’s death continues, the military has circulated an advisory to personnel around Abuja to be careful about their movement and avoid moving alone unless absolutely necessary.

The tragedy has compounded the acute insecurity across Abuja, as violent criminals around the capital city continue to be emboldened by inadequate security measures and intelligence gathering.