For Lance Corporal Itodo David, a Nigerian soldier who sustained a spinal cord injury while fighting terrorists, life has taken a cruel turn. Once a dedicated serviceman on the battlefield, David has been left bedridden at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna since 2020, with little hope of ever getting the promised medical treatment.
Despite multiple pledges from the Nigerian Army to fly him abroad for specialized surgery, David says he has been abandoned, left to suffer in pain and neglect. In a painful irony, while wounded Nigerian soldiers are struggling to receive proper care, reports indicate that ex-Boko Haram fighters have been rehabilitated and sent abroad for training, raising serious concerns about the government’s priorities.
“I have given up hope,” David lamented. “I have been here at 44 in Kaduna since 2020. They promised to file a bond so they could fly me out of the country for surgery, but since then, nothing has been done.”
This report examines David’s struggles, his service to Nigeria, and the broader issue of the government’s treatment of wounded soldiers, compared to its handling of repentant insurgents.
A Soldier’s Sacrifice: From Battlefield to Hospital Bed
Before his injury, Lance Corporal David had spent six years in counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, one of the most dangerous war zones in Nigeria. Alongside his fellow troops, he put his life on the line to defend Nigeria from Boko Haram insurgents, many of whom have committed heinous acts of violence, including mass killings, kidnappings, and bombings.
However, everything changed on September 4, 2020, when David sustained a severe spinal cord injury while on an operation in Abia State. Since then, he has been unable to walk, unable to care for himself, and unable to access the surgery he desperately needs.
According to David, his condition has worsened over time due to the lack of medical care and the Nigerian military’s failure to uphold its commitment to treat injured soldiers.
“Why are they neglecting gallant officers who have defended the sovereignty of this country? They have abandoned me since 2020. Now they are honoring the dead. Are they waiting for us to die before they remember us?”
The Broken Promise: Nigerian Army’s Failure to Provide Medical Care
David revealed that after his injury, military officials assured him that he would be flown abroad for specialized spinal cord surgery. However, four years later, he remains bedridden and helpless.
His frustration is further fueled by the fact that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, had publicly stated that all injured soldiers would receive immediate medical attention. Yet, in David’s case, that promise remains unfulfilled.
“Some people came last month to check on me, but I didn’t know why they came. I have not received any official response regarding my case. Honestly, I have given up,” he said.
While fallen soldiers are honored with military burials and public ceremonies, David questions why the government ignores those still alive, struggling with severe injuries.
“They only remember us when we are dead,” he said.
Efforts to contact the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, for comments have been unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or respond to messages.
Neglecting Soldiers, Rewarding Terrorists?
David’s case is particularly painful in light of reports that former Boko Haram fighters are being rehabilitated, pardoned, and even sent abroad for training.
The Nigerian government has launched multiple programs aimed at reintegrating ex-insurgents into society, arguing that rehabilitation is key to ending terrorism. However, the fact that wounded soldiers like David are left to suffer while ex-Boko Haram members receive better treatment has sparked outrage among military personnel and citizens alike.
A retired Army officer, speaking anonymously, condemned the government’s actions:
“This is a disgrace. Soldiers who risk their lives to protect the country are left in pain and poverty, while the same terrorists they fought against are now being treated as VIPs. What kind of message does this send to our troops?”
David himself expressed deep anger and disappointment over this situation, stating:
“I fought for this country, yet I am treated like I don’t matter. But those who killed, raped, and destroyed lives are being flown abroad? What kind of justice is this?”
Living in Pain: No Surgery, No Support
For David, daily life has become a constant battle with pain and despair.
He urgently needs buttock surgery, which is essential to his recovery. However, despite multiple requests, the Nigerian Army has remained silent.
“I need to see a specialist doctor and undergo buttock surgery while awaiting spinal cord surgery. As I speak to you, nothing has been done,” he said.
For four years, he has relied on the kindness of family members who have exhausted their resources trying to get him the care he needs.
Public Outrage and Calls for Action
David’s heartbreaking plea for help has fueled widespread anger on social media and among Nigerian citizens. Many have taken to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, calling on the Nigerian government to take immediate action.
One Twitter user wrote:
“This is unacceptable. How can a soldier who fought for his country be abandoned like this? @HQNigerianArmy @MBuhari @officialABAT, do something now!”
Another Facebook user commented:
“Our leaders care more about terrorists than soldiers. We must stand up and demand justice for these heroes!”
Human rights activists and veteran groups are also pushing for better treatment of wounded soldiers, demanding that the government stop prioritizing ex-insurgents over military personnel.
David’s Final Plea: “Help Me Before I Die”
Despite everything, David still holds onto a small glimmer of hope that someone will listen.
“I am begging the Nigerian government to please consider my plight. I have served this country to the best of my ability, but instead of reaping the fruits of my labor, I am left to suffer.”
His message to Nigerians is clear:
“Please help me. I don’t want to die like this. I have suffered enough, and my family has done everything they can. The government should remember me while I am still alive.”
A Nation’s Shame
The abandonment of wounded soldiers like Lance Corporal Itodo David is a national disgrace. While the government invests in rehabilitating terrorists, those who risked their lives to defend Nigeria are left to suffer in silence.
David’s case is not unique. Many other soldiers, injured in the line of duty, are languishing in military hospitals, waiting for help that may never come.
The Nigerian government and military leadership must urgently address this injustice, ensuring that those who sacrificed for their country are not forgotten.
Until then, David remains trapped in a hospital bed, hoping someone, somewhere, will finally do what is right.
