A three-man armed robbery gang has brutally murdered the national chairman of the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMNAF),Brigadier General Harold Udokwere (retd.).
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the attack occurred at his residence in the Kubusa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the early hours of Saturday.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees for REMNAF, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herbert, disclosed to reporters that the robbers struck around 3 am.
Durowaiye-Herbert detailed the circumstances, noting, “they came around 3 am. Where he lived had been attacked before. His house is about the last in that estate and the back of the house is directly facing the expressway.
“I know they couldn’t have gained access through the main gate because their security is tight. The day we went, they made several calls before we were allowed in.
“They once came to steal his generator and air conditioners last year through the fence. That place is very open. That is the place they might have come through. He was such a gentleman and he doesn’t talk much. They took everything and they still killed him. I don’t know why people are like that. He relocated to the area last year because of traffic. They were living in Kurudu.”
The National Assembly’s Sergeant-At-Arm, Air Commodore S.A Zakari (retd.), also confirmed the general’s death in a statement released on Saturday.
Citing the late general’s wife, Zakari recounted that the robbers demanded her jewellery and took the general’s pistol before she heard gunshots.
The statement from Zakari read, “Brig Gen H Udokwere rtd N/5575 15th Regular was attacked early morning at home in Abuja.
“According to the wife, three suspected armed robbers attacked the General’s house at approximately 0300 hrs on 22 June 24. The house is at No 1 Sanga Street, Sunshine Homes by Kabusa Junction at Lokogoma Abuja.
“ She also said that was the third time they were attacked. She also said the robbers asked her for her pieces of jewellery and took his pistol. She further stated she heard gunshots.”
Zakari mentioned that a neighbour of the late general, Pastor Awe, reported that one of the estate guards was injured during the robbery.
The injured guard and the general were both initially taken to Abacha Barracks Hospital. While the guard received treatment, General Udokwere was referred to the National Hospital Abuja, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, CP Benneth C. Igweh, has condemned the attack and assured that no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of the perpetrators.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that a thorough investigation has commenced and urged anyone with useful information to come forward.
“CP Benneth Igweh assures the family and the public of swift justice, with every effort being made to ensure the perpetrators of this atrocious act are apprehended and brought to justice,” she stated.
The late general’s body has been deposited at a hospital mortuary for an autopsy as the investigation continues. The family, now residing temporarily with a neighbour, will determine the next steps regarding the funeral arrangements.
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