The Nigeria Police, Taraba state command has stated that it’s officers played no part in the recent suicide attempt of a Nigerian Army soldier in the state.
The soldier simply identified as Ali, climbed a 24ft state monument at the entrance to the state capital Jalingo and threatened to commit suicide.
Speaking in Hausa and pidgin, he told onlookers that he would jump if his fellow servicemen didn’t come to his rescue.
“I want to die, if soldiers do not come to my rescue. Allow me to jump down and die.” he shouted while he removed his clothes.
Onlookers however pleased with him for over an hour not to give up on life. They stayed around to rescue him if he carried out his threat, although they begged him not to.
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According to an eye-witness,
“We noticed someone climbing the tower and pulling off his clothes. We got there to discover he was someone we know. He was left with underpants and an inner vest and poised to jump. We went close and began to beg him.”
Reports say the Army had accused members of the police force of brutalising the soldier which led to the suicide episode.
The claim was however refuted by the police command in the state through its spokesperson, David Misal.
“If the police had actually brutalized the military man, where did he get the strength to climb the high tower? Why didn’t he report officially?
“If the police manhandled a soldier and he got injured, was he supposed to go into the streets and be threatening to kill himself?,” he said.
After nearly two hours of begging, soldiers came in a convoy and ordered the suicidal officer to come down, after which he was taken away in a truck.
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