For over four years, Lance Corporal Itodo David has remained bedridden at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, battling a spinal cord injury he sustained in the line of duty. Despite assurances from military authorities that he would receive specialized medical care abroad, he claims he has been left to suffer without any meaningful intervention.
David, who served under service number 13NA/69/0484 LCPL, expressed his frustrations to SaharaReporters, revealing that repeated promises from the Nigerian Army to facilitate his treatment have not been fulfilled.
“I don’t know what else to do,” he lamented. “Since 2020, I have been stuck in this hospital, waiting for the Army to honor their word. They assured me that arrangements would be made to fly me out for surgery, but nothing has happened.”
The soldier’s health has continued to deteriorate due to a lack of proper medical attention. He further expressed disappointment over the military’s failure to fulfill its duty to wounded soldiers like himself.
“Last month, some officials came to check on me, but they didn’t say anything about my treatment. I have not received any official update regarding my case. At this point, I feel abandoned,” he added.
Earlier, on January 15, 2025, David accused the Nigerian Army of neglecting his medical needs, leaving him and his family to struggle alone.
David, who sustained his injury during military operations in Abia State on September 4, 2020, has remained confined to a hospital bed ever since. He questioned why the government honors fallen soldiers but fails to support those still alive and suffering.
Having served for six years in the North-East and actively participated in counter-terrorism operations, David finds it disheartening that the same government he risked his life for has turned its back on him.
David disclosed that he urgently requires buttock surgery in addition to spinal cord treatment, yet no steps have been taken to address his medical needs.
He also noted that despite the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, issuing directives for injured soldiers to be properly documented and treated, his case has remained unresolved.
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“For years, I have been lying here, unable to do anything for myself, enduring unbearable pain. How can they forget soldiers who sacrificed for this country? They have abandoned me since 2020. Now, they are organizing events to honor the dead. Are they waiting for me to die before they remember me?” he asked.
Appealing to the Nigerian government and the public for help, David pleaded:
“I have given my best to serve this country, yet I am left to suffer. I am begging the Nigerian government to intervene in my case. Please, help me. I do not want to die like this. My family has done all they can, but we need help. The government should not wait until it’s too late.
