Yesterday, 29 July, marked the anniversary of the death of Lt. Col. Patrick Chukwuma "Kaduna" Nzeogwu (26 February 1937 – 29 July 1967), one of Nigeria's most prominent military officers.
Although he was born in Kaduna, he was of Igbo ancestry from Okpanam, in present-day Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.Nzeogwu was killed in action on 29 July 1967 near Nsukka, in present-day Enugu State, during the early months of the Nigerian Civil War.
He was leading a night reconnaissance mission when his unit came under heavy fire from Federal troops of the 21st Battalion commanded by Capt. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi. As Nzeogwu and his men attempted to withdraw from the encounter, a 106 mm recoilless rifle struck their armoured vehicle, killing him.
His elder sister later recalled that, a few days before his death, Nzeogwu had told her he would rather take his own life than be captured by Federal troops. In her words:
«"Chukwuma told me a few days earlier, 'I would rather kill myself than fall into the humiliating hands of Federal troops.'"»
Following the battle, Lt. Abdullahi Shellen identified Nzeogwu's body and ordered that it be taken to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, morgue. Shellen later recounted that, upon arriving at the morgue, he found that both of Nzeogwu's eyes had been removed, a discovery he believed suggested ritual mutilation. He also revealed that the soldier who shot Nzeogwu had previously served as his batman in the Nigerian Army.
Lt. Col. Nzeogwu died at the age of 30. His body was flown to the Military Cemetery in Kaduna, where he was buried with full military honours.
Gen. Domkat Bali later reflected on his death, saying:
"Even in death, Nzeogwu was still respected by the Federal and Northern troops."
Bali also described him as one of Nigeria's finest and most gallant soldiers.
Beyond his military career, Nzeogwu was known for his disciplined lifestyle. He was a devout Catholic, a teetotaller, and a non-smoker. Although he never married, he was widely regarded as a dedicated and committed soldier. He spoke both Igbo and Hausa fluently, reflecting both his ancestral roots and his upbringing in Northern Nigeria.
Today, his grave remains at the Military Cemetery in Kaduna. Interestingly, his name is still incorrectly spelt on the gravestone as Major K.C. "Chukuma" Nzegwu.
