The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the death of Private Roger Bayou, a soldier from the 5 Infantry Battalion, due to suspected accidental discharge.
Bayou was found dead at the Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) near Michel Camp in the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality of Greater Accra as he prepared to take over from a colleague who had completed his shift.
It was gathered that the soldier was sitting on his bed waiting to head to his duty post and relieve his colleague when the rifle went off, hitting him under his chin and killing him instantly.
According to preliminary investigative report, the sad incident occurred on Saturday morning, 19th of August 2023 at about 7:50am.
A statement signed by the Director General in charge of Public Relations at GAF Brigadier General Emmanuel Aggrey-Quarshie, said Bayou was part of a platoon from Southern Command performing duties at the Base Ammunition Depot.
A team from the Homicide Unit of Ghana Police (GBETSELE Police Station) is collaborating with the Military Police to investigate the fatal incident.
“The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) regrets to announce the death of a soldier from the 5 Infantry Battalion, Private (Pte) Bayou Roger, as a result of a suspected accidental discharge.
“GAF takes this opportunity to express its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, friends and loved ones of the deceased soldier,” the statement said.
The body of the deceased soldier has since been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital mortuary.
Meanwhile in related news…
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man simply identified as Bode for allegedly killing his friend, one Tunde Akinmoyewa with a locally made gun.
He was said to have shot dead his friend while testing a new bulletproof charm last Tuesday in Laoso Village in Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.
Police said on Friday, August 4 that it had begun the trial of the suspect over the murder of the 27-year-old victim, who was described as an ex-convict.
A source said; “To test the efficacy of the charms, Tunde asked his friend (Bode) to shoot him first. After Tunde’s friend picked up the guy and shot him (Tunde), suddenly, he fell down and died on the spot.
“Having seen what had happened, the suspect took to his heels before the neighbours arrived the scene and has not been arrested.”
The source also stated that immediately after he was shot, the deceased was rushed to the nearest hospital in the village, where he was confirmed dead.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said, the command had commenced an investigation into the matter and efforts were ongoing to arrest the suspect.
She said; ”One Tunde Akinmoyewa, an ex-convict who is also a cultist, while testing a locally made gun believed to be newly procured was accidentally shot by one of his boys named Bode, surname yet unknown, as a result of which he died while being taken to hospital for medical attention.
“Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue while efforts are in top gear to arrest the suspect.”
