Saturday, September 5, 2026

Nigerian soldier misfires service rifle, kills self, mistress

It was unclear whether or not Corporal Ojo Ayodele had recently returned from a tour in the ongoing war against Boko Haram.

• December 30, 2020
Ojo Ayodele
Remains of Corporal Ojo Ayodele and his mistress

A Nigerian Army corporal Ojo Ayodele has reportedly killed himself and a yet-to-be-identified lady presumed to be his mistress in an accidental discharge of his firearm, Peoples Gazette learnt Wednesday.

Military sources told the Gazette that the soldier, an operative of “Operation Safe Haven” who was deployed to Rafin Sanyi duty location in Sopp village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, was found in a pool of blood, alongside his slain lover on Wednesday afternoon.

Citing an internal army memo by military authorities, our sources disclosed that the late corporal was suspected to have “misfired” his rifle, leading to the tragic incident. 

“Efforts to recover the corpses are in progress,” the memo read, noting that the reason for the incident was yet to be ascertained.

The army correspondence added that the divisional police officer of Riyom Divisional Police Headquarters has been contacted on the matter.

An army spokesman did not immediately return requests from the Gazette for comments.

It was unclear whether or not the army corporal had recently returned from a tour in the ongoing war against Boko Haram. Several Nigerian soldiers have recently died of apparent suicide after suffering mental health degradation as a result of extensive deployment in the Northeast.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa

APC, Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party youths inaugurate joint tree-planting campaign

The initiative is part of the second round of the “Plant African Fraternity” aimed at deepening pan-African youth solidarity and promoting environmental sustainability.

Federal Road Safety Corps

States

Three killed, 20 injured in Osun road crash: FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says three people lost their lives, while 20 others were injured in an accident in Tonkere, Osun State.

Heading 2

EPL: Aston Villa extend goalless run after 0-0 draw with Hull City

Villa missed goal-scoring opportunities in the opening minutes of the game, with chances from Nicolas Jackson, Ross Barkley and George Hemmings.

Heading 5

Rights activists, labour leaders seek security, living wage reforms

Rights activists, labour leaders and civil society organisations called for urgent reforms to address insecurity and economic hardship.

Idi Maiha

Heading 3

FG rebranding livestock sector to attract youths: Maiha

“Now, the agriculture sector is beckoning the youths. We are rebranding the sector,” the minister said.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

States

Gov Makinde cautions traditional rulers against partisan politics

Mr Makinde advised traditional rulers to steer clear of politics and embrace all political actors without bias.