The Nigerian Army and the nation were thrown into mourning on July 29, 2020, following the shocking killing of Lieutenant Babakaka Shehu Ngorgi, the Adjutant of the 202 Tank Battalion. He was shot multiple times in cold blood by Private Azunna Maduabuchi, right inside the military base in Bama, Borno State.
How the Tragedy Happened
The incident occurred shortly after troops returned from an operation against Boko Haram insurgents. Lieutenant Ngorgi was reportedly on a call with his new wife when Private Maduabuchi walked up to him and opened fire.
According to eyewitness accounts, Maduabuchi emptied eight rounds of bullets at close range. The young officer—who had only recently gotten married—died on the spot.
Lt. Babakaka came from a distinguished military family. His elder brother was a serving Major General, making the tragedy even more devastating for the family and the military community.
Why the Soldier Pulled the Trigger
Reports from military sources indicated that Maduabuchi was frustrated and embittered over withheld allowances and a blocked salary account.
He had allegedly asked Lt. Ngorgi several times for permission to travel to Maiduguri to resolve his payment issues, but the requests were repeatedly denied due to operational demands. This denial was cited as a major trigger for the fatal confrontation.
Court Martial and Sentencing
Private Azunna Maduabuchi was arraigned before a General Court Martial, where he was found guilty of murder.
- Defense: He pleaded guilty but insisted the shooting was accidental.
- Judgment: The court dismissed his claim and sentenced him to death by firing squad.
- Timeline: The sentence was handed down in January 2021, pending confirmation by the appropriate military authorities.
Broader Reactions
The killing sparked widespread discussions about:
- The psychological and emotional strain on soldiers fighting prolonged insurgency
- The impact of combat-induced PTSD
- Complaints about unpaid allowances and welfare lapses in the military
- The dynamics of command structure and troop-management in conflict zones
Many Nigerians questioned whether better welfare, mental health support, and conflict-zone counseling could have prevented the tragedy.
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