Unforgettable encounter with a soldier in Gwagwalada

I have always had the impression that soldiers are harsh, heartless individuals who should be feared. In fact, in the recent past there have been reports of corrupt ones at check points who extort money from public transporters, causing top officers to move to stop the ugly trend. Recently at Gwagwalada in the FCT, I had a heart-warming experience with a soldier whose name I don’t know. Just after a checkpoint before the junction which leads to their barracks, I had a flat tire and I was sweating, trying to put my spare on. The soldier approached me, helped me put the spare and was walking away when I offered him a five hundred naira note as a token of appreciation. He declined, smiled and walked away. I was touched by his kindness and thought to share my story with Nigerians. I have new, strengthened respect for soldiers now and I always pray to God to bless and protect the Nigerian Army.
Saminu Tukur-Tukur, Gwagwalada, FCT.