The circumstances surrounding the death of Corporal Ude Jude, a member of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade in Katsina State, have been addressed, refuting internet rumors that he died due to internal sabotage or neglect.
The correction was reportedly included in a statement released on Sunday by Capt. Abayomi Adisa, the brigade’s Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations.
According to Adisa, reports implying wrongdoing within the military are deceptive and intentionally meant to mislead the public.
According to him, the deceased soldier was a corporal who joined the Nigerian Army in 2012 as part of the 67 Regular Recruit Intake, not a lieutenant as was commonly claimed.
Additionally, the army stated that his death was not caused by an incident that took place inside the barracks.
According to Adisa, “the incident that resulted in his death did not occur within the barracks as speculated; instead, he sustained injuries outside while deployed at the Funtua Forward Operating Base.”
The incident happened on February 16 at approximately 8:30 p.m., according to the army spokesperson, when the soldier allegedly departed his duty position to buy personal goods.
Jude, a resident of Enugu State’s Ezeagu Local Government Area, was later assaulted while on the expedition.
A physical struggle with a civilian after a personal argument was the cause of the attack, according to later investigations.
According to Adisa, the wounded soldier was given first aid right away and taken to the 17 Brigade Medical Center for treatment.
According to medical records, he sustained stab wounds along with other injuries typical of a violent encounter.
In order to give him time to properly recover, he added, the soldier was released from duty. On March 24, 2026, however, the soldier fainted outside his home just after obtaining medical attention, which was a tragic event.
“He collapsed outside his home shortly after receiving medical care on March 24, 2026, despite weeks of treatment and clinical monitoring,” Adisa stated.
“After being hurried back to the Medical Center, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.”
The Army Provides Grief Support
According to the brigade’s leadership, the deceased soldier’s family received help and burial arrangements.
The statement claims that extra institutional support was provided by the 82 Division Garrison in Enugu, while the Garrison Commander oversaw the procurement of a coffin and morgue.
The army further stated that, in accordance with protocol, the soldier’s military gear was transferred to his next of kin.
Along with providing security assistance during the funeral, the brigade also kept in touch with the sad family.
Adisa clarified that before making a public response, it was necessary to confirm information and confer with pertinent military forces.
He gave assurances that the attackers were being sought out and captured.
The brigade reiterated its dedication to personnel welfare, professionalism, and transparency while lamenting the death of the soldier. It also urged the public to rely solely on official and confirmed sources of information.
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