Robbers Kill Retired General In Abuja
The National Chairman, Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF), Brigadier General Harold Udokwere (rtd) was on Saturday, June 22 killed by a three-man armed robbery gang in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Reports said the retired Army general was shot dead when the robbers attacked his residence located in the Kubusa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) early on Saturday morning.
The Chairman, REMENAF’s Board of Trustee, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herbert, who spoke on the unfortunate incident, said the criminal gang struck at about 3 am and in the process killed the General.
According to him; “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 Amair 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.”
Also confirming the incident in a statement, the National Assembly’s Sergeant-At-Arm, Air Commodore S.A Zakari (rtd) quoted the late General’s wife as saying that the robbers took her jewellery and husband’s pistol, before she heard gunshots being fired.
The statement read thus; “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 further said the late General’s neighbour disclosed that the gang injured one of the estate guards with the statement adding thus; “According to Pastor Awe, his neighbour, the robbers injured one of the estate guards. That one was taken to the jospital at Abacha Barracks along with Brig Gen H Udokwere rtd N/5575, the victim. While the injured guard was being treated at Abacha Barracks Hospital, the General was referred to the National Hospital Abuja.
“Air Cdre MM Igho informed Air Cdre SA Zakari rtd of the incident at 0810 hrs. Zakari dashed to NHA to support the family. Zakari met Pastor Awe (the neighbour) with the victim’s wife, son and other neighbours. Air Cdre Zakari was told Gen Udokwere was dead and the corpse was at the National Hospital morgue.”
He also disclosed meeting with the deceased’s wife to console her as well as reporting the unfortunate incident to Maj. Gen. Okereke.
“Zakari met the wife, calmed her down and reported the issue to Maj Gen Dr Okereke. The Comd NAOWA Hospital sent an ambulance to retrieve the body of the late General Udokwere to NAOWA Hospital where he was confirmed dead.
“Gen Hashim, the neighbour, has taken the family to his house for his wife to handle Mrs Udokwere.
“However, Mrs Udokwere insisted she must see her husband. Contact was made with the Cse Mates (NDA 15th Cse) and Brig Gen KA Kareem was tasked to visit the family which he did.
“The family will decide the next line of action regarding the funeral”, the statement said.
