By Sabiu Abdullahi
A shocking revelation came from the 44 Army Referral Hospital in Kaduna State, where over 200 soldiers injured in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and bandits are receiving medical attention.
Despite their sacrifices, these brave men and women claim they have been neglected by the Nigerian Army authorities, forced to pay for their own treatment and buy drugs out of pocket.
One soldier, paralysed from the waist after being shot by Boko Haram terrorists, spoke out about the dire situation.
“We’re begging for help. We need assistance with our treatment, but the army has abandoned us. We’ve had to pay for our own surgeries, and no one has reimbursed us.”
Another soldier echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’re helpless. We’re buying our own drugs, and the army is not supporting us the way they should. It’s like they’ve forgotten about us.”
The soldiers also alleged that they have not received the special disability compensation they are entitled to, and that their welfare and treatment have been grossly neglected.
Despite attempts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, for comment, there was no response.
This reflects the plight of Nigeria’s injured soldiers and raises questions about the government’s commitment to supporting those who have risked everything to protect their country.