Sultan Demands Immediate Probe Into Alleged Killing of Senior Igbo Muslim Army Officer
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for an immediate investigation into the alleged assassination of Colonel Abdur-Razaq AbdlKarim Ode, described as Nigeria’s most senior Igbo Muslim Army officer.
The Sultan also condemned what he described as incessant hate and negative rhetoric against minority Igbo Muslims in the South-East, warning that such developments were inconsistent with efforts to promote peace, unity and nation-building.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Prince Basheer Adefaka on behalf of his Media Team, the Sultan said the Federal Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces must work together to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing of the Army intelligence officer and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
He described Colonel Ode as a “fine military intelligence officer” whose death was a loss to both the Muslim community and traditional communities, particularly in the region where he hailed from.
“As Muslims, we continue to act by showing love and encouraging peaceful coexistence, tolerance, unity and restraints as enjoined upon us by Islamic rules, regulations and guidance laid down for us in the Glorious Qur’an,” the Sultan said.
He stressed that the killing of any Nigerian must not be allowed to go unresolved, particularly when the victim was a serving officer of the Nigerian Army.
According to him, “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.”
The Sultan further called for an end to hate and negative remarks against minority Muslims and Christians wherever they are found, urging Nigerians to embrace tolerance, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
He prayed for Allah to forgive the soul of Colonel Abdur-Razaq AbdlKarim Ode and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
