The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for a thorough investigation into the killing of senior Nigerian Army officer, Col. Abdussalam Ude, while condemning what he described as growing hostility against minority Igbo Muslims in the South-East.
The monarch also urged authorities to address what he termed persistent discrimination and attacks against religious minorities, stressing that such actions threaten national unity and peaceful coexistence.
His position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s Media Team.
In the statement, titled “Sultan of Sokoto calls for immediate launch of investigation on alleged assassination of Igbo Muslim Army officer,” the Sultan reacted to the killing of the officer, who was reportedly shot at his residence.
He urged the Federal Government and military authorities to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“The Federal Government and the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have gotten to put heads together and get to the roots of circumstances that led to the shooting at alleged close range of Army Colonel Abdur-Razaq AbdlKarim Ode, 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 said.
He warned that failing to investigate the killing of any Nigerian, particularly a serving military officer, would undermine efforts to build a just and secure nation.
“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.
“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,” he said.
The Sultan also renewed his call for tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, urging an end to hate speech and violence directed at minority religious communities.
“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.
He further prayed for the repose of the late officer’s soul, asking Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
The appeal follows the killing of the senior military officer during what was reported to be a failed kidnap attempt at his residence in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Monday night.
According to reports, the attackers stormed the residence during a heavy downpour with the intention of abducting the officer. He was allegedly shot several times after resisting the assailants.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command later clarified that the incident occurred in Nasarawa State and not in Abuja, as initially reported, adding that investigations into the attack were ongoing.
The officer’s death has continued to generate reactions on social media, with members of the Igbo Muslim community and other Nigerians paying tribute to him as a respected military intelligence officer, Qur’an teacher and mentor.
(Ripples)