In a chilling and heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s military community and beyond, a serving Army Colonel was gunned down by armed men after he boldly stood his ground and resisted an abduction attempt at his residence in the Badna area of New Karu, Nasarawa State.
The deceased, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, was a military intelligence officer — a man whose very career was dedicated to protecting Nigeria and its citizens. Tragically, that same courage and sense of duty may have cost him his life when he chose to fight back rather than surrender to his attackers.
What Happened?
According to reports, the gunmen stormed Colonel Ude’s home in the Badna area of New Karu with the clear intention of kidnapping him. Rather than comply with the demands of the armed men — as many victims tragically feel forced to do — the gallant Colonel reportedly resisted fiercely.
The attackers, unwilling to leave empty-handed and clearly unbothered by the consequences of their actions, opened fire on the Colonel, killing him on the spot. In a further display of brutality that has left many Nigerians deeply disturbed, his wife was also shot during the attack, along with two other individuals who were present at the scene.
A Nation Mourns
The killing of a serving military officer — and a senior one at that — inside his own home raises serious and uncomfortable questions about the security situation in Nigeria. If a trained military intelligence Colonel cannot be safe within the walls of his own residence, what hope does the average Nigerian citizen have?
This incident is a painful reminder that kidnapping has gone beyond being a problem confined to remote rural areas or highway robberies. It has boldly crept into urban communities, targeting individuals at their most vulnerable — in their own homes, in the presence of their families.
Colonel Ude’s death is not just a personal loss for his family. It is a national loss. The Nigerian Army has lost a dedicated officer. His wife, still fighting for her life after being shot, has lost a husband and protector. His children, if any, have lost a father.
The Bigger Picture: Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis
Nasarawa State, which shares a border with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has in recent times become increasingly unsafe, with reports of armed attacks, banditry, and kidnappings becoming more frequent. The proximity to Abuja — Nigeria’s seat of power — makes incidents like this even more alarming.
Across Nigeria, from the North-West to the South-East, kidnapping for ransom has become a booming and horrifying “industry.” Armed groups now operate with shocking boldness, seemingly unafraid of law enforcement. When these criminals begin targeting military personnel in their own homes, it signals a dangerous escalation that cannot be ignored.
Calls for Justice and Stronger Security Response
Nigerians across social media and beyond have been expressing outrage and grief over this incident, calling on security agencies to move swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice. Many are also calling on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to do more to protect not just civilians, but also the families of military personnel who sacrifice so much in service to this nation.
Colonel Ude chose bravery over submission. He chose to stand and fight rather than be carted away from his family into the darkness of captivity. That decision, while ultimately fatal, speaks volumes about the character of the man he was.
May his soul rest in perfect peace. May his family find the strength to heal. And may Nigeria find the will to end this senseless wave of violence that continues to claim innocent lives.
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