Nigeria’s Southeast Muslims condemn killing of Army Colonel AbdurRazaq Ude, demands transparent probe
*Calls for enhanced protection of minority Igbo Muslims in country
By KEMI KASUMU
The organisation also called for deliberate measures to enhance the protection of minority Muslim communities in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones. It said members of these communities had continued to make meaningful contributions to national development despite what it described as unique security and social challenges confronting them.
The South Eastern Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON) has condemned the killing of Colonel AbdurrRazaq AbdulKarim Ude, a senior Nigerian Army intelligence officer, calling for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a statement signed by SEMON President, Dr. Suleman Agha Afikpo, and the organisation’s Assistant Secretary, Ustadh Faruq Abugu, the group expressed profound grief and outrage over the incident, while extending condolences to the deceased’s family, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the wider Igbo Muslim community.
Colonel Ude, according to SEMON, was an illustrious son of Ibagwa-Aka in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State and a committed member of the Igbo Muslim Ummah. The organisation also identified him as a product of the Islamic Centre of Eastern Nigeria (ICEN), Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
The group described the late military officer as a patriotic Nigerian who served the country with courage and professionalism throughout his military career. SEMON further stated that Colonel Ude was reportedly on course for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in February 2027.
The organisation said it was deeply concerned about reports concerning the circumstances of the officer’s death, noting that information available to it indicated that Colonel Ude was allegedly shot at close range in the head, while his wife, driver and gateman reportedly sustained gunshot wounds to their legs during the attack.
SEMON stressed that the details surrounding the incident must be subjected to official investigation before definitive conclusions could be reached.
The organisation also raised questions over initial reports that the incident was a kidnapping attempt, saying that emerging concerns could suggest that the attack may have been a carefully planned and targeted assassination.
It therefore called on relevant security agencies to conduct a comprehensive, independent, impartial and transparent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
SEMON further referred to what it described as unverified accounts from anonymous sources, alleging that after the initial gunshots, the attackers reportedly communicated with another individual and were allegedly instructed to ensure that Colonel Ude was dead before leaving the scene.
The organisation, however, emphasised that the allegation remains unverified and should not be treated as established fact. It said the claim nevertheless reinforced the need for a detailed investigation capable of determining exactly what happened and identifying all those responsible.
According to SEMON, the killing of a senior military intelligence officer within the Federal Capital Territory raises serious concerns about the country’s security architecture and the ability of security agencies to protect even those entrusted with safeguarding the nation.
The group argued that if a senior intelligence officer could become the victim of such a violent attack, the incident should serve as a wake-up call for the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, security coordination and protective measures across the country.
SEMON appealed to the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intensify efforts to address the worsening insecurity in Nigeria and take decisive steps to improve the country’s overall security situation.
The organisation also called for deliberate measures to enhance the protection of minority Muslim communities in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones.
It said members of these communities had continued to make meaningful contributions to national development despite what it described as unique security and social challenges confronting them.
“Justice delayed must not become justice denied,” the Igbo Muslims Group said, urging the relevant authorities to identify, prosecute and hold accountable, in accordance with the law, anyone found to have participated in the killing.
The organisation expressed solidarity with the family of Colonel Ude, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Igbo Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians mourning the loss.
It also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, while wishing speedy recovery to the injured members of his household and strength to all those affected by the tragedy.
SEMON also clarified that the deceased’s name should be correctly recorded as AbdurRazaq AbdulKareem Ude.
