A serving Colonel of the Nigerian Army has been killed and his wife shot in an attack on their home in Abuja.
PRNigeria reported that the slain officer, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, was attacked immediately after he returned to his residence in the Kurudu District of the nation’s capital on Monday evening.
He was also shot and wounded in the arm during the attack, as was his driver and bodyguard.
The site, citing security sources, said the attackers tried to kidnap the officer but faced heavy opposition.
He was fighting them. Investigators said they attempted to take him into custody, but he resisted. “Sadly, he paid the ultimate price,” a source acquainted with the preliminary probe was cited as saying.
The intruders, after unsuccessfully attempting to drag him away, then reportedly shot the officer many times before fleeing the area.
His wife, driver and security guard, who were caught in the incident, were brought to hospital and are being treated for varied degrees of gunshot injuries.
The killing has sent shockwaves across military circles as Colonel Ude was preparing for advancement to the rank of Brigadier General.
The late officer was an indigene of Enugu State and had served in many strategic intelligence and counter terrorism roles in the Armed Forces.
He was involved in operations against rebels in the North East, and was also deployed on specialised international missions in Chad and France, contributing to intelligence and security cooperation.
He was a brave and much-respected intelligence officer whose commitment to duty was admired by many in the military, colleagues said.
Security services have initiated an inquiry into the attack and initiated a manhunt for the assailants.
The latest killing has rekindled fears of attacks on present and former military officers in Abuja, especially those who have served in critical operations and intelligence roles.
The tragedy occurred around two years after armed men stormed the house of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, killing him while defending his family in the Lokogoma suburb of Abuja.
The attackers apparently departed with his gun and other items.
Colonel Ude will be buried at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja, in accordance with Islamic customs.
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