The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for an Immediate investigation into the alleged killing of Colonel Abdur-Razaq AbdlKarim Ode, described as the most senior Igbo Muslim officer in the Nigerian Army.

The Sultan also condemned what he described as growing hate speech and negative rhetoric targeting minority Igbo Muslims in the South-East, warning that such actions undermine national unity and peaceful coexistence.

The revered monarch urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces to establish the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

He described the late Colonel Ode as a dedicated military professional whose death was a great loss to both the Armed Forces and the Muslim community.

“The cause of this killing and the reported attempt on the lives of members of his family must be thoroughly investigated, and the appropriate authorities should ensure justice is served.”

He stressed that the killing of any Nigerian, particularly a serving military officer, should never go unresolved, insisting that accountability was essential to sustaining public confidence in the nation’s institutions.

The Sultan further appealed to Nigerians to reject religious and ethnic intolerance, urging citizens to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and national unity irrespective of faith or background.

He also condemned attacks and discriminatory remarks directed at minority Muslims and Christians in different parts of the country, saying such divisions were detrimental to efforts aimed at building a peaceful and united Nigeria.

The Sultan prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Colonel Ode while comforting his family and loved ones over the loss. (The Sun)

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