Breaking News: Armed Robbery Gang Kills Brig. Gen. Harold Udokwere (Rtd.) At His Residence in Abuja

**Dateline: Abuja, June 22, 2024**

—

In a devastating attack early this morning, a three-man armed robbery gang killed Brig. Gen. Harold Udokwere (Rtd.), the National Chairman of Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces (REMNAF). The incident occurred at his residence in the Kubusa area of the Federal Capital Territory.

According to Abiodun Durowaiye-Herbert, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at REMNAF, the robbers struck at around 3 am. He stated, “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 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.”

Durowaiye-Herbert added, “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-Arms, Air Commodore S.A Zakari (Rtd.), confirmed the tragic event in a statement obtained by our correspondent. Zakari relayed the account of Gen. Udokwere’s wife, who said that the robbers demanded her jewelry and took her husband’s pistol before gunshots were heard. 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.”

Zakari further noted that the robbers injured an estate guard during the raid. “According to Pastor Awe, his neighbour, the robbers injured one of the estate guards. That one was taken to the hospital 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.”

Zakari rushed to the National Hospital after being informed of the incident at 8:10 am by Air Cdre MM Igho. “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.”

Efforts were made to console the family and manage the immediate aftermath. “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.”

General Udokwere’s family has been taken into care by neighbours as they decide on the funeral arrangements. The nation mourns the loss of a respected and dedicated military leader. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.