Sultan of Sokoto Demands Immediate Probe into Killing of Senior Igbo Muslim Army Officer
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the killing of Colonel Abdur-Razaq Abdulkareem Ode, described as one of Nigeria’s most senior Igbo Muslim Army officers.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media team and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the Sultan—who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)—condemned persistent discrimination and hostility against minority Igbo Muslims in the South-East.
Colonel Ode was reportedly shot at close range at his residence in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, on Monday night during a suspected kidnapping attempt. The FCT Police Command clarified that the incident occurred in Nasarawa State, not Abuja.
The Sultan urged the Federal Government and the Armed Forces to conduct a thorough investigation and uncover the circumstances surrounding the killing of the military intelligence officer.
He warned that failure to bring those responsible to justice could weaken national unity and undermine efforts at nation-building, especially as the victim was a serving Army officer.
The Sultan also called for an end to hate speech, discrimination and attacks against religious minorities, urging Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect.
Members of the Igbo Muslim community have described the late officer as a Qur’an teacher, intelligence expert and mentor.
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