Hassan Ahmed, a Major-General of the Nigerian Army, has been murdered in Abuja.
Ahmed, who was recently appointed director at army headquarters, was shot dead in Abaji area of the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday night.
The assailants, according to a family member, also kidnapped his wife.
The couple were said to be returning from Okene in Kogi State when they ran into an ambush.
In a statement, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesman, confirmed the death of Ahmed.
He said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, had already sent a delegation to condole with the victim’s family.
Nwachukwu also stated that members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) led by the Deputy National President, Mrs Stella Omozoje, have also visited the family to condole with them.
The statement read, ”With a heavy heart, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army regret to announce the passing on of Maj.-Gen. Hassan Ahmed, a former Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army.
”The sad incident occurred when the senior officer’s vehicle was attacked by gunmen while transiting along Lokoja – Abuja road yesterday 15 July 2021.
”A delegation from the Army Headquarters led by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Maj.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje has visited the widow and other members of the bereaved family.
”Members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) led by the Deputy National President, Mrs Stella Omozoje have also visited the family to condole with them.”
The remains of the deceased senior officer will be buried at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery, Abuja by 10am on Friday.
The attack happened hours after the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to do more to protect Nigerians.
The Emir said this when Buhari visited his palace on Thursday.
