‘He Was a Qur’an Teacher, ’ — X User Pens Tribute to Igbo Muslim Colonel killed in Abuja

“He was Hafizul Qur’an (He memorized the whole Qur’an, and more.” Why Col. AA Ude’s mysterious death is so painful to us (Igbo Muslims)

Uthman Isa Tochukwu, an X user, says Abdulsalam Ude, a colonel with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) who was killed after reportedly resisting an attempt to abduct him at his residence in Abuja, was a teacher of the Qur’an who had mastered the Arabic language.

The incident occurred shortly after he arrived at his residence in Phase 5, Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, on the outskirts of Abuja, at about 10:45pm on Monday.

In a post on X, Tochukwu, who described Ude’s death as painful for Igbo Muslims, said the late military officer had memorised the entire Quran.

“For those who didn’t know late Col. AA Ude and the reason why his mysterious death is so painful to us (Igbo Muslims),” Tochukwu wrote.

“Sheikh Col. AA Ude was a Hafizul Qur’an (He memorized the whole Qur’an).

“He was a mastery of Arabic Language; he commands the Language perhaps better than the Arabs.

“He was a seasoned intelligence military officer and one of the best in Nigeria today.”

Tochukwu said Ude was due for promotion to the rank of brigadier general next year, describing it as a rank no Igbo Muslim had attained in the military.

He added that Ude had received numerous awards in recognition of his intelligence and expertise in military intelligence and security.

Tochukwu also described him as calm, quiet and composed, saying he hardly raised his voice while communicating.

“He was a Teacher of the Qur’an and a great mentor to most of us and Wallahi, it would take a generation to raise his kind again in our midst,” he said.

“May Allah grant you pardon our dear sheikh and illuminate your grave! May you not be questioned for too long before you are admitted into Jannah!

“We lost our hero!”

Another X user, Aminu Baban Mairam, described the late military officer as a rare gem, describing his death as a loss to the country.

“Nigeria has lost a rare gem. His death is a lost to us all irrespective of sex, race, tribe and religion. May Allah grants him the highest rank in jannah Amin.”

Salahuddeen Ibn Gauss said Ude’s death “is not just painful to Igbo Muslims but to generality of Muslims”.

The cable