In Nyiniongun, a suburb of Makurdi, Benue State, a tragic incident unfolded as a 72-year-old retired soldier named Francis Dooga reportedly took his own life. The somber event occurred in the compound opposite St. Joseph Catholic Church.
According to an anonymous neighbor, Dooga, affectionately known as ‘old soldier,’ carried out this distressing act while his family members were away from home.
The lifeless body of the retiree was discovered hanging from a tree in his residence around 6:00 pm on a Sunday.
Puzzled and saddened, the neighbor expressed bewilderment at why Dooga made such a fateful decision. Some residents in the area hinted that the late retiree had been vocal about facing hardship.
Allegedly, he had voiced concerns about falling victim to fraudulent activities related to his pension. Dooga was reportedly anxious about not receiving his pension in its entirety from the pension board.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, it was learned that the deceased had been vocal about being defrauded of his pension by individuals in his immediate circle.
His distress over not receiving his pension in bulk may have contributed to the overwhelming challenges he felt.
Confirming the incident, SP Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police, conveyed the unfortunate news in a text message to the press.
This tragic event sheds light on the complex struggles faced by some retirees, grappling with financial challenges and concerns about the security of their pensions, ultimately leading to devastating outcomes like the one witnessed in Nyiniongun.
