Armed robbers kill retired general in Abuja

A three-man armed robbery gang has killed the national chairman, Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Harold Udokwere (retd.).

The retired general was killed during an attack on his house located in the Kubusa area of the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustee, REMNAF, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herbert, in a telephone interview, told our correspondent that the robbers came around 3am.

He said, “They came around 3am. 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, the National Assembly’s Sergeant-At-Arm, Air Commodore S.A Zakari(retd.) confirmed his death in a statement obtained by our correspondent.

Zakari, quoting the late general’s wife, said the robbers asked for her jewellery and took his husband’s pistol, adding that she heard gunshots afterwards.

The statement 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 added that the late general’s neighbour said the armed robbers injured one of the estate guards.

The statement added, “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 said he had met with the late general’s wife to console her and reported the 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.”