Shuwa, War Hero, Killed By Gunmen

The Defence Headquarters as well as former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida yesterday condemned the gruesome murder of retired Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Shuwa, 79, by suspected gunmen in his residence in Maiduguri, Borno State.

In a statement issued by his media spokesman, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Babangida said: “It is obviously disturbing to observe the dangerous trend this whole insecurity is assuming. I am particularly pained at the news of Gen. Shuwa’s killing by yet to be identified gunmen. The gruesome murder of this gentleman officer and a senior colleague leaves a sour taste in the mouth. May his soul rest in peace and may Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Shuma’s killers allegedly pretended to be visitors looking for him and entered his living room where they opened fire on him and two guests who were with him.

The Defence Headquarters, which confirmed that Boko Haram killed Gen. Shuwa, said he was attacked at his house in Gwange 1 area of Maiduguri when he was receiving a guest preparatory to going for Juma’at prayers. It said contrary to insinuations that five soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF) were killed during the attack, only guests of the late general were shot at.

A statement signed by Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, spokesman of JTF in Borno, explained: “At about 12 noon today (yesterday), at Gen. Muhammadu Shuwa (rtd’s) house in Gwange 1 area of Maiduguri metropolis, while the General was seated in his house with some guests, four men initially thought to be his visitors and guests for the Juma’at prayers entered his house and opened fire on the General and his guests.

“One of the guests died on the spot while the General died on the way to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

“The JTF troops located in the area immediately cordoned off the area and search for the assailants is ongoing to apprehend the terrorists.”

He added: “The terrorists that carried out the killing of the late General will be brought to book. We call on the citizens to bring forward information that will assist the security agencies to apprehend the terrorists.”

Shuwa was a key figure in the Nigerian civil war. He was a key adviser to Yakubu Gowon, the former military head of state, who led Nigeria during the 1967-70 civil war.

The late Shuwa had a long and distinguished military career. He succeeded Col. Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who became governor of Eastern Region and later led Biafra, as commander of the 5th Battalion in Kano after the Nzeogwu coup was foiled.

He served as the federal commissioner for works during the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo.

In a tribute last night, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, said; ‘‘This is a tragedy of monumental proportions. General Shuwa was not only an absolute gentleman but he was also perhaps the most respected, effective, disciplined, restrained and successful battle commander in the Nigerian Army during the civil war.