By our correspondent
In a shocking revelation, fourteen recruit have allegedly died while 80 others hospitalized of mysterious illness suspected to be food poison in Nigeria army depot in Zaria, Kaduna state, within two weeks.
While the 1Division Nigerian army spokesman, Lt Col Musa Yahaya, said he cannot speak for the army training depot on ground that they’ve an established Public Relations Department, his counterpart at the training depot, Lt. Babale could not respond when contacted for clarifications.
An insider source who however confided our correspondent noted that the food poisoning may not be unconnected with the recruitment of repentant Boko Haram into the Nigeria army.
Meanwhile NewsTweetNaija online had on February 23, 2024, exclusively reported that the incident had already claimed the lives of 14 recruits within the intervals of two weeks while 😯 others are hospitalized.
“Shocking Situation Unfolds at Nigerian Army Training Depot as Mysterious Illness, Allegedly from Food Poisoning, Claims 14 Recruits in Two Weeks; Over 80 Others Hospitalized.
“A disturbing situation has emerged at the Nigerian Army depot in Zaria, Kaduna State, where at least 14 recruits have reportedly succumbed to a mysterious illness believed to be caused by food poisoning.
“This facility is utilized by the army for the training of new recruits and has been in operation since 1924, playing a crucial role in shaping Nigerian soldiers.
“It has been revealed that numerous recruits are currently undergoing training at the depot, focusing on combating issues such as Boko Haram, insurgency, banditry, and other security challenges in the nation.
“One military source expressed grave concern, stating, “The unprecedented number of deaths among the recruits at the Army depot in Zaria is unprecedented. Within a span of two weeks, we have lost up to 14 recruits due to the outbreak of a puzzling disease attributed to food poisoning”.
“Presently, over 80 other recruits are receiving medical treatment. It is disheartening and imperative for the army chief to personally inspect the training ground to witness the dire situation”, it stated.
It further stated that sources have accused senior officers, including depot commander Major General MA Abdullahi (N/10208), of attempting to conceal the incident.
“A mysterious disease is claiming the lives of recruits at the Nigerian Army depot training ground in Zaria.
“These young individuals continue to lose their lives. The most recent incident occurred this week, where four recruits died due to this enigmatic illness and starvation,” disclosed an insider at the military training facility.
“Regrettably, the commander has displayed negligence and indifference towards the situation. Furthermore, he has failed to allocate the necessary funds for the depot clinic under the NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme) to acquire medication.”
“Currently, the trainees have no means to communication. There is an alarming situation at the military training depot that needs urgent attention.
“Trainees have been unable to contact their relatives due to the confiscation of their phones upon arrival at the depot. Tragically, some have passed away, and the official explanation of health issues stemming from intense training is misleading, as it is suspected to be related to unsanitary food.
‘Training commenced on January 4, 2024, and since then, approximately 14 trainees have succumbed to an unidentified illness. The severity of the situation was underscored last week when 10 trainees died, with eight deaths occurring in a single day, followed by an additional four deaths the following Tuesday.
“Many others are currently hospitalized at the depot medical center, with some transferred to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria.
According to another source, this tragic outcome is attributed to negligence within the army’s leadership, particularly Major General Abdullahi, the depot commander.
“The dire conditions were further highlighted as it was revealed that numerous trainees are receiving inadequate medical attention and are unable to communicate with their families to relay the gravity of the situation.
“Urgent action is urged from the Chief of Army Staff to personally assess the distressing situation at the depot, which has culminated in an unprecedented number of casualties, coupled with shortages of essential provisions and rampant hunger.
“Regrettably, the affected recruits, predominantly hailing from impoverished backgrounds, lack a voice to advocate for their well-being. Families and loved ones are voicing their grievances within the army barracks, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance.
“The harrowing situation has prompted a call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the plight of junior soldiers and their welfare.
There are concerning reports emerging from the military, suggesting a possible cover-up. More than 100 army recruits have fallen ill due to suspected food poisoning, with some fatalities and others fighting for their lives.
But the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, had refuted the claims of a mysterious ailment at the Nigerian Army Training Depot, when contacted by journalist.
Nwachukwu emphasized that based on their investigation and available information, there have been no such incidents at the training depot.
He pointed out that the army had issued a press release regarding a suspected outbreak of Lassa fever at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, detailing the preventive measures taken.
He stated, “We have also alerted other national agencies to take necessary precautions, hoping for collaboration with the federal government to address the situation.
He alao clarified, “At the Nigerian Army depot where recruits are undergoing training, no alarming events have occurred. There is no epidemic, no widespread illness among the recruits. Training activities are proceeding as usual with no disruptions”.
“Nevertheless, the army spokesperson acknowledged that isolated cases of illness or even fatalities are not uncommon in training institutions.
“It’s not unexpected to have occasional isolated health issues or unfortunate incidents in training institutions,” he explained. #
