wakabobo:
The family members of Damilare Taiwo, an Economics student at the University of Lagos, Akoka, have been thrown into mourning following his death a day after he resumed for training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna State.

The army authorities reportedly said the 20-year-old slumped and died during a training session last Tuesday.

But the family told Saturday PUNCH that the circumstances surrounding Damilare’s death aroused suspicion, claiming that he was beaten to death.

A brilliant student with a CGPA said to be in the range of Second Class Upper Division, the native of Ile-Ife, Osun State had always wished to be an accomplished army officer.

He had applied for the Regular Combatant Course of the NDA in 2015 at 17, but did not make the list of the successful candidates. Undeterred by hard luck, promising Damilare reapplied for the programme a few months ago.

He was shortlisted on August 8, 2018 among the 10 selected candidates from Osun State for the 70 Regular Combatant Course, coincidentally at a time when he was rounding off his first degree project.

On Saturday, August 25, his father saw him off to Ikorodu Garage – some distance from their residence – beaming with joy that the first child of the family was about to embark on a journey to attain enviable ranks in the profession he had been nursing for years.

“He left Lagos for Kaduna that Saturday, a day after he concluded his project in school, and reported at the training camp on Monday, August 27,” the deceased’s father, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, told our correspondent.

Narrating Damilare’s journey through life, Oyedele said his death came to the family as a rude shock.



The father recalled, “He finished his secondary school education in 2014 and gained admission to UNILAG the same year to study Economics. He was just 20 years old. He just completed his project.

“When he wanted to leave for Kaduna that Saturday, I advised him to be a good ambassador of the family and prayed for him. He was an easy-going child. He had always wanted to be a soldier.

“In one of his pictures on Facebook, he edited the image of the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed in the N20 note and replaced it with his picture. That is to tell you the passion he had for the Force and how far he wanted to go.

“He had been showing interest in the army since 2011 when he was 13. It is so unfortunate that he could not accomplish his mission.

“The army sent some officers to us last Thursday to tell us about his death. They told us that he collapsed during a training session on Tuesday (August 28).”

Oyedele, a building material dealer, described his son’s death as devastating to the family, lamenting that they had invested so much hope in him. For years, the businessman would battle to get over the heartache of the irreparable loss.

A devout Christian, Damilare was fondly addressed as ‘Pastor Dammy,’ ‘one of the God’s Generals,’ ‘Woli agba,’ among other religious nomenclatures.

“There is no way I can forget him. He was my first child. He was very devoted in churches, both at the community and in his school. It is only God that can comfort me. He was a role model to his two siblings.

“He was a cool-headed person. If he was not reading, he was surfing the Internet, studying the Bible or helping his mother in her shop,” the father added in a hushed tone.

While Oyedele managed to control his emotion, his wife, was inconsolable, crying uncontrollably. She had passed out on hearing the sad news and did not regain consciousness until she was taken to a hospital.

The intensity of her wailing during an encounter with our correspondent six days after the incident showed that the family had, indeed, lost an illustrious son.

She said mournfully, “Won ti kan mi leyin okan (They have broken my canine). I learnt my son was beaten to death whereas the army told us he fell and died.

“I don’t want my son to die in vain. The military said he would be buried in Kaduna, but I don’t want my son to be buried there. They should bring his corpse to Lagos.”

Damilare’s younger brother, Moses, explained that his death was painful, noting that he died with many beautiful plans he had for the family.

“There were a lot of promises. He personally promised to be giving me N10,000 out of his salary every month,” he said.

Moses, who also claimed his brother died under questionable circumstances, urged the military authorities to conduct a postmortem on his corpse.

He added, “The military officers that came told us that he slumped and died. But some of his colleagues called and told us that he was beaten to death during ‘welcome home’ tradition at the camp. They said he was complaining that he was tired, but they did not leave him. The witnesses were afraid to speak out so that they would not run into trouble. We are going to take it up; we want to know the cause of his death.”

Meanwhile, friends of the deceased have paid glowing tributes to him on Facebook. One of his friends by the alias, Gallant Captain Whale, described Damilare as “his mentor.”

Whale wrote, “We love you but God loves you more. I won’t forget moments we spent together, my mentor right from school days. Even at death, you are brave. I love you brother from another mother. Rest in peace.”

To Okpewho Abednego Fikioghene, Damilare was “a leader” from whom he had learnt while they were in secondary school.

He said, “RIP, Damilare. You were the Asst. Head Boy, 2014 set; I was the Asst. Head Boy 2015 set. It was a privilege to learn from a leader like you. Live on; your legacy still remains.”

“It really touched me. Everyone said good (things) about you when you left. God loves you most brother. Rest in peace,” another friend, Its Ba Smith, wrote.

The Course Adviser of the deceased at UNILAG, Dr. Ayodele Shittu, said he was Damilare’s confidant, adding that he was in his office to bid him farewell to Kaduna for the training.

Shittu said, “He was very humble and respectful. Academically, he was very sound and he would be finishing with a very good 2:1 (Second Class Upper Division). He had completed his project.

“The news of his death was very shocking. He came to my office while he was leaving. He hardly hid anything from me. I will miss him.”

Efforts by Punchng correspondent to get the reaction of the NDA to the incident and the allegation raised by the family proved abortive.

When our correspondent contacted the the Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Jogn Agim, he directed him to one Major Yahaya, who said he was no longer the NDA spokesperson.

Yahaya gave Saturday PUNCH the phone number of one Major Abdullahi said to be the current spokesperson for the academy. But when contacted, the receiver said it was a wrong number.

https://www.google.com.ng/amp/s/punchng.com/20-year-old-unilag-student-dies-at-nigerian-defence-academy-family-kicks/amp/

AFONJA and their softness... he collapsed and die nah what else.. better he die now than to die in the hands of those mad jihadist in sambisa

Engineer123:

The stress that you will pass through will make you run overnight. It takes grace of God to survive for five years.

I wrote the entrance exams for straight five years

Dwhyte:
Then your family wee now comma sue us again ba

I love the school I would survive there

In Nigeria officers training, u are trained to die while been trained. They don't really trained ur brain capacity which is what u need in war. Just because u signed the death certificate they brutalize u and say dey are comoting civilian life from you.
Even the British military have complained so many times.

Ok, see now...of what use is 'pin your head '? Imagine such rubbish.

Emeritusseun:

Hope you don't mind the deathing too if it comes...lol

yes but it's never my portion

jamaicabakare:
Sad

Nigeria military training no be am, most of those officers in charge of the training are just sad and wicked soul.

The family should sue them, even though it won't bring their son back but it might help.

The NDA cannot be sued because before entry, there is a form an applicant and family would sign that if eventually any thing like death happens to the applicant, the school cannot be held responsible.

actually na 2 clown die..I wonder y someone will force their way into NDA knowing fully well the training ain't child play..anyway I know my boys there will do me proud.. young lad R.I.P

Engineer123:

The stress that you will pass through will make you run overnight. It takes grace of God to survive for five years.

Are you a military man

How come the handsome guy abandoned his almost completed studies to go for nda. Has he heard of short service, you could still join as a graduate. Discipline has long eluded the nigerian army and rascality has taken over. A training of years to imbibe, they want you to blend in a day. Are they aware the more their numbers the better for our nations security? I bet a generals son wouldnt be made to pass through such trainings if he was enlisted too.

TIDDOLL:
[/b]This is Sad!
...

Black Culture, primitive ways.
Does surviving strokes of a whip signifies strength??

Strength is a thing of the mind, absolute force of the inner chi

A brute force cant stop a raging bullet![b]

When you compare the so called training with actual results on the field you jist wonder

PatrickOkunima:
Not everyone survives military training. It's unfortunate he died. May his soul rest in peace.

In Niggeria. Be specific. In sane climates he will quit at best

statusquoante:
Nigerian military is a no no for me.

We don't even keep them as friends.

Those who are family members, we keep a distance from.

RIP young man

Sad!

Exactly same here

jamaicabakare:
Sad

Nigeria military training no be am, most of those officers in charge of the training are just sad and wicked soul.

The family should sue them, even though it won't bring their son back but it might help.

Military training all over the world are never compromised irrespective of your level of intelligence or connection.. How can you sue the military when you as the parent or guardian signed his form ( in case of eventuality), the government is not to be blame..
The instructors are never wicked, just giving out the standard.. To cap it all, the boy is medically unfit.. just a day of training he died, a journey of 5 years?
RIP to him..

deliveryboy:

Bros check very well, bearing is not in the culture of any organization recognize by the United Nations, Nigerian military is not exempted. There are other means of instilling discipline in the army.

You are comparing UN standards with this shithole army. Its just yhe primitive thinking here that beating or torturing someone makes the person stronger

Dream on guys but don't take your dream too far. R.I.P.

jamaicabakare:
Sad

Nigeria military training no be am, most of those officers in charge of the training are just sad and wicked soul.

The family should sue them, even though it won't bring their son back but it might help.

Sue kwa?The parents have signed his death warrant already and have also signed they won't claimed for anything further after the death of their ward.Chikena.But May his Soul Rest In Peace.I'm also an aspiring soldier.69th RC,70TH RC AND 71ST RC ALL THE WAY.

BrokenCock:
In Nigeria officers training, u are trained to die while been trained. They don't really trained ur brain capacity which is what u need in war. Just because u signed the death certificate they brutalize u and say dey are comoting civilian life from you.
Even the British military have complained so many times.

Ok, see now...of what use is 'pin your head '? Imagine such rubbish.

There was one commandant ... Emeka was his name. The guy wanted to reform the NDA. No bullying no hazing. even things like diet was changed. He wanted the NDA to be on the same level as the likes of Army West Point. Salaries and bonuses were even paid o time. The soldiers kicked against his style and had him removed. Na there I know say Niggerians no like better thing

Emeritusseun:
But wait oo....the boy no do Nysc ni?....finished project and join the army. I think the parents killed the poor boy for pushing him too hard. This is unfair!...the stress of school.... Then no rest but straight to NDA.


RIP BOY

RIP to the soldier. Animals wanted to play, he was telling them he is tired. This boy didnt know when he walked through their gates he left behind the world of humans and entered that of beasts.

He completed mission to join Army.
The parents should insist he is buried as a soldier, in an Army uniform.

Ogbeni, NYSC is service to Nigeria. Army is service to Nigeria. He didnt need NYSC since he was going into military.

so pathetic.


I wouldn't have forgive myself if my younger brother had died this way. I remember advising him to join the military because of his huge body and height not until we started seeing the injustice, maltreatment, and political disinformation about the NA I quickly discouraged him even when he had been carried away. thank God for intervention of family that take it off his mind


sometimes is very important for parent to influence their young kids decision. his parent might not be aware of the activities going on in the camp or even scrutinize the form they signed but yet they agreed for him to go to the camp


I remember a friend that said her parent followed him to Kaduna after gaining admission there not until they saw the form. her mother insisted in not signing it and they left. all these beating should be addressed

I don't want to believe this beating of a thing is applicable in other countries because this beating of a thing had no little or no effect in our warfront. I believe in sensitizing this army with psychological inference and adequate physical training instead of this unnecessary beating


rip to him

The world is full with problem oooh my lord. The world is full with problem oooh my lord.

ilyasom:

Are you a military man

Yap

Hizzy:

I wrote the entrance exams for straight five years

God knows the reason

That is why I can never join the military. You can't be maltreating because I want to be a military personel. I will attack you back. I will never blamed the boy, he went for his passion. May God give his family fortitude to bear the loss.

ObiOkpor:

Military training all over the world are never compromised irrespective of your level of intelligence or connection.. How can you sue the military when you as the parent or guardian signed his form ( in case of eventuality), the government is not to be blame..
The instructors are never wicked, just giving out the standard.. To cap it all, the boy is medically unfit.. just a day of training he died, a journey of 5 years?
RIP to him..

The bold is key! Should not there be an entry standard upon arrival to first conduct a bio and medically certify candidates? If there was one the process would have detected his exhaustion and put him in quarantine for few days recovery. Then return him to the test again to validate readiness. Because of the rigour of cadet training, no candidate should proceed if they failed bio twice, back to back, that student should be advised to withdraw.

NDA is not meant for ajebo nw. It is for d rugged and fitted. All these rich men kid self instead of u to face academic, d money is there to school to any length . luk at what u av course for ur parent now. May the Lord grant them d fortitude to bear ur lost. RIP brave boy.

Emeritusseun:
But wait oo....the boy no do Nysc ni?....finished project and join the army. I think the parents killed the poor boy for pushing him too hard. This is unfair!...the stress of school.... Then no rest but straight to NDA.


RIP BOY

They should have allowed the boy to rest. He should have joined the military after his NYSC programme. I remembered when I finished my NCE programme in college of education, 2 weeks later I got admission into the University without resting. It was as if I wanted to die, let alone of joining the military where they would stress ones life. The parent wanted him to achieve his dream(to be a fine officer), I can't blame them..

U must fit enough, RIP

Enlisting a 2nd time, Whether wise or not, we are not created to die untimely or recklessly. In these last days, in a country where a life is considered to not be worth much, one needs to weigh one's choices objectively and not only on the basis of "it sounds & feels good" or "God will see you through" or "small boy/girl big God"... in this unfortunate incident, the question is, why Nigerian Army of all Armed Forces choices?

For one, the whole recruitment exercise is a sham. No one gets recruited without one connection here or there. After which, to rise in ranks is by how many Senior officers of Northern descent like you. We all know that the Army is the exclusive preserve of the Hausa/Fulani group. For every 10 officers in the Army at least 6 are Hausa/Fulani, the remaining 4 would be the rest of Nigeria. The young lad would have had a better chance in the Navy or Airforce.

Taking a look at America, there is the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Course) designed to enlist & prepare college/university students for military life. It has a Junior category for high school ( I believe our NYSC can adopt alot from it) where citizenship, diversity, history, leadership and service are learned. One gets a semi exposure to life and a career in the military. This not only equips you with life skills but also, enables you decide, if the military life is for you or not...if we had an adaptation of such, here in Nigeria, lives ( in term of man hours) and resouces would be maximized.

Moreover, in sane societies, from the day you enlist and go for basic, you get paid. That way, in the rare occurence of a death in basic training, your beneficiaries get your pay and the support they require to give the deceased a funeral. BUT WE RE TALKING NAIJA, NIGERIA where everything we adopt from Oyinbo, we abuse...Anyway, like the saying goes 'the thing about a rat race is, even if you win, you are still a rat" meaning had the boy not passed and passed basic training, he would only have succeeded in being a part of a military institution plagued by Ethnic domination, barbaric and brutish practices termed training, relatively poor pay, nepotism and cronyism for promotion and anything totally opposite of the true spirit of being a Soldier/ Army.

This should serve as an eye opener to anyone who is planning to join the Nigerian military after college graduation. Ask yourself, after college/University is Nigerian military worth it? I mean if Military is in your destiny, there are far far more options starting from Navy, Airforce (keep in mind though, all na the same for Naija with lil lil difference). Why not go abroad to study, contact your local military recruitment office. They will give you all the information you need (some even allow you to join their physical training sessions for intending cadets to help you ace the physical requirements of basic training); settle in the country as a PR/Citizen then enlist. If you re thinking age, the federal law allows for new recruits up to the age of 38. At that time, one would be prepared, mentally, physically & socially.

If the traditional military is TOO STRESSFUL, there are paramilitary alternatives like the Australian Border Force (Australia); United States Department of Homeland Security-related agencies, Each State's Defense Forces (the Coast & National Guard) in the US and The Emergency Response Team (RCMP) in Canada: all of which can provide avenues for a military career.

All is down to preparation, knowledge, determination and God not God alone and desire.

RIP to the Lad

Don't forget before you join NDA,, you are going to sign a death warrant of which they have signed.. They have no case against NDA.. Infact he would be buried there

I want to join the Nigerian navy through DSSC...already tried once, passed all the tests(medicals inclusive) but was not selected at the final list...Abeg who know person wey fit put me? I am working but still want to try again...

The training no be joke. The boy can't withstand such condition at his young age. That's the cause of his death

There should be a very thorough medicals before recruitment. Very importantly there should be an extensive heart examination cos there are heart conditions that can result in sudden cardiac death with serious exertion that comes with military training.