Abuja Tragedy: Army Colonel Killed Resisting Kidnap Attempt

A serving Nigerian military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, was shot dead by gunmen during an attempted abduction at his residence in Kurudu, Abuja, after he reportedly resisted his attackers.

According to security sources quoted by PRNigeria, the assailants ambushed the senior officer shortly after he arrived home on Monday evening and stepped out of his vehicle. The attackers allegedly attempted to abduct him, but he fought back despite being outnumbered.
A source familiar with the preliminary investigation said the gunmen wanted to take the officer away but met stiff resistance. During the struggle, they shot him several times at close range, killing him at the scene.
The attackers also opened fire on the residence, leaving the officer’s wife, driver and security guard with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. The three victims were rushed to the hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Col. Ude, an indigene of Enugu State, was described by colleagues as a courageous and highly respected military intelligence officer. He was due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year and was remembered for remaining calm and composed even in the face of danger.
Security agencies have launched an investigation into the incident and have commenced a manhunt for those responsible. Although the motive for the attack has not been confirmed, the incident comes amid increasing cases of targeted abductions in Kurudu, a rapidly developing district on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The killing of a serving senior military intelligence officer within Abuja has renewed concerns over the security situation in the nation’s capital, as residents continue to question how armed criminals were able to carry out such a deadly attack.