The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for an immediate investigation into the killing of Colonel Abdussalam Ude, urging the Federal Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces to uncover those responsible and ensure justice is served.
The Sultan also condemned what he described as persistent discrimination and hostility against minority Igbo Muslims in the South-East, warning that attacks based on religion threaten Nigeria’s 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. The statement followed reports of the military officer’s death during a suspected kidnap attempt at his residence in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to the Sultan, authorities must thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the officer’s killing, stressing that allowing such a crime to go unresolved would undermine public confidence in the nation’s security and justice system.
“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… The cause of this killing and attempt on the life of his family must be found out,” he said.
The revered traditional ruler noted that failing to investigate the killing of any Nigerian, particularly a serving military officer, would be detrimental to nation-building. He urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Beyond the killing, the Sultan expressed concern over what he described as repeated hate speech and discrimination against minority Igbo Muslims. He called on Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, saying these values are essential for national stability.
“As Muslims, we continue to act by showing love and encouraging peaceful coexistence, tolerance, unity and restraint as enjoined upon us by the Glorious Qur’an,” he added, while praying for Allah to grant the late officer Al-Jannah Firdaus.
The officer was reportedly shot several times after resisting an attempted abduction during a heavy downpour on Monday night. While initial reports suggested the incident occurred in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command later clarified that the attack happened in Nasarawa State and confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Since his death, members of the Igbo Muslim community and other Nigerians have paid tribute to Colonel Ude, describing him as a respected military intelligence officer, Qur’an teacher and mentor.
