• Gifts facilities to physically challenged
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Nigerian Army, last week, extended free medical services to physically challenged persons and persons suffering from various ailments in Katabu community in Kaduna State.
The medical retreat was part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2025) and the 162 years of the establishment of the Nigeria Army.
Daily Sun checks revealed that the physically challenged persons, numbering over 11 of them, went home with brand new wheelchairs and clutches.
But that is not all. The army also provided primary health care services such as free medical consultations, dental care, nursing services, laboratory investigation and screening, drugs dispensing, HIV screening and counseling services, eye tests with free prescription glasses and many more to the community..
Some of the physically challenged persons who spoke to Daily Sun were excited at the healthy gifts. Those who enjoyed other kinds of free healthcare services were also grateful to the army and to God.
One of disabled persons, Murtala Mohammed, 25, told Daily Sun that, “I am a motorcycle repairer, and I also patch motorcycle tyres. I have been crippled right from when I am very small. But now I am 25 years of age. I used to have a wheelchair, which helped me to move from place to place, especially to my working place. But at a point the wheelchair got spoiled and since then, I could not afford another one, not until the Nigerian Army came today to give me this one. I am so happy with them. May God reward them accordingly. I will continue to make good use of this wheelchair. I will never sell it. I can’t be that foolish to sell it. I live in Rafin Guza community, Kaduna”.
Another physically challenged resident, Hamisu Lawal, 20, said, “I live in Mararaba Jos area of Kaduna city. I am a student learning Arabic language. May God bless the soldiers for this special gift they gave me. I am very grateful, may God continue to bless them abundantly.
Hauwa Adamu, a 22 year old, female, physically challenged person said, “I am very grateful to the Nigerian Army. May God reward them abundantly. I live in Mararaba Jos area of Kaduna. I don’t have any means of livelihood for now”
Other beneficiaries of the wheelchairs and clutches are Gambo Ibrahim, and Ibrahim Gurugu. They both expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Nigerian Army for the gesture.
The District Head of Rigachuku, Ibrahim Sani Zubairu, who was represented by the Sarkin Sabon Gari, Mararaban Jos, Ibrahim Barau Mustapha expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Army for providing the free medical service to their communities.
The District Head assured the army that the people would continue to live in peace and harmony, and make adequate use of the opportunity given to them to access this free medical outreach.
In his remarks at the venue of the medical outreach, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede appealed to the residents of Katabu community to ensure a peaceful coexistence among themselves and with people in their neighbourhood, saying that soldiers are peace lovers for the progress of the country.
Speaking at the free medical outreach service to the community as part of activities to mark this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), the COAS urged the people to use the opportunity of the free medical service to know their health status.
The army boss was represented by the Chief of Army Administration, Lawrence A. Fejokwu.
He said , “I bring you greetings from amiable Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olu Femi Olatunbosun Oluyede whom I represent here today. The Chief of Army Staff has asked me to remind all of us that the medical outreach is part of the Nigerian Army Day celebration which is a week long event.
“The Chief of Army Staff directed me to tell this audience to please seize this opportunity to know their health status, do the necessary check that are available here, know your number, check your blood sugar, your blood pressure (BP), check your eyes, all facilities to do that are here.
“There is a further direction that I should let you know that soldiers keep peace and that soldiers are peace lovers. He wants me to thank you for the peace enjoy in this area of Katabu in Rigachuku, Igabi local government area of Kaduna State. End.
“He asked me to tell you to keep it up the peace and that the Army will supply you in anything that you do that is aimed at ensuring peace. I wish to you all for coming out for this medical outreach and make it to be worthy of remembering”.
Earlier, the Commander Corps of Medical, Samson O.Okoigi said the gesture was to promote civil-military relations as well as to demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the health and well-being of local communities.
“This medical outreach is part of the programmes lined up for NADCEL 2025. It is taking place simultaneously in all formations and units of the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army has a very long history of providing good medical care to the Nigerian populace both in peace time and in times of conflict, he added.
“Our medical personnel have been instrumental for n the successful resolution of various military operations and have played a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of troops and winning the hearts and minds of civilians in our operating environment.
“The Nigerian Army is committed to securing our country and providing robust healthcare services to our citizens, hence, the singular reason we are so proud to host this medical outreach to commemorate NADCEL 2025 and provide free medical services to the good people of Mararaba Jos and its environs.and vocational studies. Not surprising he had always topped his class and was fine at his vocational jobs, which helped him raise extra income for his survival.
His dreams died when he decided to unwind with his friends during a masquerade festival in a nearby community. That decision had become his greatest undoing. Unfortunately, he would not be alive to tell the story.
Opeyemi had travelled from his hometown, Takete Ide to Aiyedayo in the Mopamuro Local Government, Kogi State, to witness Egungun (masquerade) festival. It typically brings together people and culture enthusiasts.
At the crowded playground of the carnival, Opeyemi was caught in the web of argument that ensued between Iyah and Aiyede spectators. The argument was over the dancing schedule of some masquerades.
The argument snowballed into a fight in the Egungun grove. Community elders, sensing trouble, intervened and doused the tension. But that was only for a while.
As the ceremony came to a close, with the evening sky rolling back, a fresh wave of anger began to rise between the warring youth groups, eventually catching up on Opeyemi.
In a whiff of momentary fury, he was stabbed at his neck with a jerk knife by a roving rascal. And that was the end. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital where he was rushed to by sympathisers.
His death threw the community into panic and grief as that was never the intention of the festival. The festival was meant to celebrate the cultural heritage of the people but now, it has led to tragic death.
News of Opayemi’s death spread like a wildfire. People are demanding a probe of the killing. Chairman, Mopamuro LG, Ademola Bello, issued order regulating public gatherings. Police also swung into action arresting three suspects, prime suspect, a native of Iyah Gbede, Ijumu LG and two Egungun priests.
Distraught father of the deceased, Pa Godwin Orunmbe, broke down in tears upon the passage of his only son: “l appreciate the outpouring of emotions and concerns by many groups and individuals. It is a very trying moment for my family. Our only hope for justice is in God and the government. The perpetrators must be brought to account if only to strengthen the sanctity of human life.”
A family said: “It is about a month now that our son was murdered and the memory remains fresh in our minds. Nothing can assuage this calamity. All that we ask is for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
“This is crucial for the vindication of our son and the protection of society. Life is not cheap and the law must be seen to protect the weak. It is our prayer that God will guide all the relevant agencies to diligently investigate and follow up to a judicial conclusion.”
Meanwhile, it was gathered that two of three suspects were released on bail. The prime suspect was, however, arraigned on Friday, June 13, 2025 and remanded at a correctional centre.