The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the killing of Colonel Abdulrasaq Abdussalam Ude, a senior military intelligence officer who was fatally shot during a suspected kidnap attempt at his residence in Nasarawa State.
Sultan's Statement and Condemnation
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan's Media Team, Alhaji Abubakar, who also serves as President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, described the late officer as "a fine military intelligence officer that both Muslim Ummah and traditional communities in the country, especially the region he hailed from, were proud of."
The Sultan condemned the killing and stressed the need for justice, saying, "To allow the killing of any single Nigerian soul taken out without getting to the root of the cause and bringing the culprits to justice with a view to disallowing a repeat of the same is not a good way to talk about a serious country, much more when the life extrajudicially taken is that of a soldier of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
Demand for Justice and Root-Cause Investigation
He further added, "The cause of this killing and attempt on the life of his family must be found out and the government and other appropriate quarters do the needful." The Sultan also prayed for the repose of the deceased officer's soul, asking Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, as reported by Punch.
The call for investigation extends to the Federal Government and the Armed Forces, urging them to uncover the circumstances surrounding the colonel's death to prevent future occurrences.
Details of the Attack
Colonel Ude was killed on Monday night, August 3, when gunmen stormed his residence in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, during a heavy downpour. He was reportedly shot multiple times after resisting an attempt to abduct him. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command later clarified that the incident took place in Nasarawa State, correcting earlier reports that placed it in Abuja, and confirmed that investigations were underway.
Members of the Igbo Muslim community and other social media users paid tribute to the slain officer, describing him as a Qur'an teacher, military intelligence expert, and mentor.
Concern Over Minority Igbo Muslims
Beyond the officer's killing, the Sultan also raised concern over what he described as persistent hostility towards minority Igbo Muslims in the South-East, saying such treatment was a setback to national unity. "As Muslims, we continue to act by showing love and encouraging peaceful coexistence, tolerance, unity and restraint as enjoined upon us by Islamic rules, regulations and guidance laid down for us in the Glorious Qur'an," he said.
The Sultan's remarks highlight broader issues of religious tolerance and the need for unity in Nigeria, especially in light of attacks on minority groups.
Related Incident: Terrorist Attack in Sokoto
Previously, Legit.ng reported that suspected Lakurawa militants stormed Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area, killing at least one police officer and leaving the area in fear after a violent raid that also claimed the lives of two civilians. Police operatives engaged the attackers in a firefight and drove them back. One officer, identified by residents as Hussaini Manyu, died during the exchange of gunfire.
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in various parts of the country, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and proactive investigations.
