Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Army last night confirmed the assassination of its former Provost Marshal, Major General Hassan Ahmed by gunmen in Abuja.
Ahmed was reportedly killed by gunmen in Abaji Area Council.
The slain officer was in a recent shake-up, appointed a director at the Army Headquarters.
A source said the general and his wife were on their way to Abuja from Okene in Kogi State, when they ran into the gunmen.
“They opened fire on his vehicle; he died. The driver pretended to be dead from the wound he sustained,” the source said.
Though the source claimed that the wife was also abducted, a military statement said an Army delegation visited the widow last night.
A statement issued late last night by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the incident.
He said the late general would be buried today (Friday) at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery by 10 am.
“With a heavy heart, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army regret to announce the passing on of Maj. Gen. Hassan Ahmed, a former Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army.
“The sad incident occurred when the senior officer’s vehicle was attacked by gunmen while transiting along Lokoja – Abuja road yesterday July 15, 2021,” it said.
The army statement said a delegation from the Army Headquarters led by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj. Gen. Anthony Omozoje, had visited the widow and other members of the bereaved family.
It said members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) led by the Deputy National President, Mrs Stella Omozoje, also visited the family to condole with them.
“The remains of the deceased senior officer will be accorded a befitting burial at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery on Thursday 16 July 2021 by 10am”, it said.
