Friend of Army General Crushed By Soldier Cries to Buhari: Gen. Ogbole James’ death must be properly investigated

By Fijabi Philips

As the nation and the Nigerian Army grieve over the tragic death, Tuesday night, of one of their brightest stars, Brigadier General Ogbole Audu James, a call rang out Thursday from a close friend of the late General asking the Federal Government and the Army authorities to ensure a scrupulous investigation to unravel what actually happened that dark night.

“This is a calamity of monumental proportion,” the friend said, craving anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the sad incident. “Ogbole was one of our brightest stars in Benue State. Whoever did this has dealt a terrible blow to the family and friends (off the deceased), as well as the entire people of Benue State.

“That is why I am calling on the military authorities to carry out painstaking investigation into this calamity. Perhaps, it might not just be an accident. Perhaps, it might be something sinister. It might just be pure crime.”

The friend said the General’s wife and three children have been inconsolable since the heart-rending development was broken to them. The same goes for the other friends of the departed General and his siblings who all saw General James as their super star, hero, and a god-sent helper whose kindness knew no boundary.

Until his death, Brig. Gen. Ogbole James was the Director of Finance and Accounts at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, NAFRC, Oshodi, Lagos. He was transferred to the beat from the Army Headquarters about two months ago; just about the time his marriage clocked 23 years.

According to reports, Brig. Gen. James, who was also the Monitor General of Senior Executive Course (SEC) 40/2018, was said to be walking to his residence at the NAFRC Old Barracks when an alleged drunk soldier, one Corporal Abayomi Edun, hit him from the back with his  Toyota Highlander SUV numbered EKY-177-FX.

The General was reported to have died on the spot due to the heavy impact of the accident which occurred at about 11.30p.m.

The said Corporal Ebun, who also works at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, NARC, was said to be on pass and had traveled to Lagos to see his family.

According to a statement by the centre and quoted by Vanguard newspaper, the earthly remains of Brig. Gen. Ogbole James “were immediately moved to the NAFRC Medical Centre and later on deposited at the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

“Consequently, the driver and the vehicle are in the custody of the Centre Provost office for further investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the unfortunate and very regrettable loss of the senior officer.

“The Centre hereby conveys her deepest condolences and sympathy to the family, the Nigerian Army, and indeed friends of the deceased”.

In a statement it issued on Wednesday, the Alumni Association of the National Institute, AANI, expressed deep shock and anguish at the tragic demise of Brig. Gen. Ogbole James, who was the association’s Monitor General, saying it “was deeply shocked and saddened by the heart-wrenching news.”

Describing James as “one of the association’s illustrious and promising members,” the statement continued: “Consequently, the President (Mr. Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, a former Inspector General of Police), on behalf of the National Executive Committee and the entire membership of the association, expresses his deepest condolences to the family, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the entire AANI, and the nation, over this monumental loss.

“There is no doubt an unfortunate incident has robbed AANI, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the nation of the services of one of its finest, most professional, patriotic, dedicated, humble, and quintessential gentleman senior military officer.

“Until his death, he was the Director of Finance and Accounts at the NAFRC in Oshodi, Lagos. He is survived by an ageing mother, a wife, and three children. Details of his burial will be announced later by the Nigerian Army in conjunction with the family.

“AANI members are kindly requested to show unwavering love and support by rallying around and being with his family at this time of sorrow, in prayers and visitation, and turning out en masse for the burial. May his gentle soul rest in peace, amen. May God also give the family, AANI, and the nation the courage and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, amen.”