The South Eastern Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON) has condemned the killing of Nigerian Army intelligence officer, Colonel Abdurrazaq Abdulkareem Ude, describing it as a brutal and disturbing incident that demands an immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Suleman Agha Afikpo, and Assistant Secretary, Ustadh Faruq Abugu, and made available to The News Chronicle, the organisation expressed deep sorrow over the death of the senior military officer, who was reportedly due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in February 2027.
SEMON described the late officer as an illustrious son of Ibagwa-Aka in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, a respected member of the Igbo Muslim Ummah, and an alumnus of the Islamic Centre of Eastern Nigeria (ICEN), Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
The group said Colonel Ude served Nigeria with exceptional courage, professionalism, and patriotism throughout his military career.
Expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding his death, SEMON cited reports indicating that the officer was shot at close range in the head, while his wife, driver, and gateman sustained gunshot wounds to their legs during the attack.
According to the organisation, if confirmed, the details of the attack raise serious questions about the true motive behind the killing.
SEMON noted that although initial reports suggested an attempted kidnapping, emerging information points to the possibility of a carefully planned assassination.
The organisation also referenced unverified accounts alleging that the attackers were instructed to ensure Colonel Ude was dead before leaving the scene. While stressing that such claims remain unconfirmed, SEMON said they further underscore the need for a comprehensive investigation capable of establishing the facts and bringing all those responsible to justice.
“The assassination of a senior military intelligence officer within the Federal Capital Territory raises grave concerns about Nigeria’s security environment,” the statement said.
“It is deeply troubling that an officer entrusted with protecting the nation could become a victim of such a violent attack.”
SEMON urged security agencies to carry out a thorough, independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are identified, prosecuted, and punished in accordance with the law.
The organisation also called on the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to strengthen the country’s security architecture and intelligence operations to tackle worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
In addition, it appealed for deliberate measures to improve the protection of minority Muslim communities in the South-East and South-South, noting that despite their contributions to national development, they continue to face unique security and social challenges.
SEMON expressed solidarity with the family of the late Colonel, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Igbo Muslim Ummah, and all Nigerians mourning his death.
The organisation prayed that Almighty Allah grants Colonel Abdurrazaq Abdulkareem Ude Al-Jannatul Firdaus, forgives his shortcomings, grants speedy recovery to the injured members of his household, and comforts everyone affected by the tragedy.
It concluded by insisting that justice must be served without delay, stressing that “justice delayed must not become justice denied.”
SEMON also clarified that the correct spelling of the slain officer’s name is Colonel Abdurrazaq Abdulkareem Ude.
