A soldier who climbed the Welcome to Taraba Roadblock Tower (over 24fts high), has been stopped from committing suicide by youths after he threatened to jump down.
The soldier identified simply as Ali attracted attention after being seen on top of the tower throwing down his clothes. After people gathered, he was heard saying in Hausa and pidgin “I want to die. Allow me to jump down and die.” The youths who gathered at the spot however said in response “Please do not jump. We don’t want you to die.”
An eyewitness said;
“We noticed someone climbing the place and pulling off his clothes. We got there to discover he is someone we know. He was left with under pant and an inner vest and poised to jump. We went close and began to beg him.”
The Nation reported that it is believed that the soldier who had a bandaged left kneecap, has mental illness and was recently relieved of his job.
A source said;
“He is an ex-soldier, fond of riding military motorbikes in town. He was sacked from the army when it was discovered he is mentally ill.”
