Nigeria has been shaken by two separate incidents of deadly violence, with the fatal shooting of a serving Army Intelligence officer in the nation’s capital and the alleged mob killing of a young university graduate in Plateau State.
A serving officer of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, was killed by armed attackers at his residence in the Kurudu area of Abuja. According to security sources, the gunmen attempted to abduct the officer or members of his family after he returned home from work on Monday evening.
The officer reportedly resisted the attack, leading to a confrontation during which the assailants opened fire. Colonel Ude died from gunshot wounds, while his wife, driver and security guard also sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Investigators believe the circumstances surrounding the attack may indicate that the assailants had prior knowledge of the officer’s movements. Military authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible and determine the motive behind the attack.
Colonel Ude, who hailed from Enugu State, was widely respected within the Armed Forces for his professionalism and service in several strategic intelligence and counter-terrorism operations. He was also said to have been due for promotion next year.
In a separate incident that has sparked widespread outrage, Plateau State Police confirmed the arrest of three suspects over the alleged mob killing of 25-year-old University of Jos graduate and model, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee.”
According to police and eyewitness accounts, Mbaya was accused of stealing an iPhone after spending the night at a friend’s residence in Jos. He reportedly returned to the apartment after being contacted about the missing device, only to be confronted by several young men.
Witnesses alleged that the group assaulted him for hours in an attempt to force a confession. He later became unconscious and was pronounced dead after being taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
The suspects arrested in connection with the case are Rinji Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji. Police said investigations are ongoing, while the victim’s body has been deposited in the hospital mortuary for an autopsy.
The two incidents have renewed concerns over insecurity, violent crime and mob justice in Nigeria, with many citizens calling for stronger security measures and swift justice for the victims.
