2nd November, 2012
Less than 24 hours after Nigerian soldiers reportedly massacred about 40 youngsters in Maiduguri, four gunmen have struck in the home of retired Nigerian general, Mohammed Shuwa.
Shuwa, a civil war veteran and a member of the Board of Trustees of the All Nigeria People’s party, has been one of moderate voices in the beleaguered state, turned a war theatre by Boko Haram militants.
“Four men initially thought to be his visitors… 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 hospital, said Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa in a statement issued today.
In an interview with the French news agency at his home in May, Shuwa said that he could potentially be targetted by Boko Haram elements who have carried out scores of attacks in the city, which is considered their home base.
In late June, Shuwa also attended a meeting summoned by the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, to try to find a peaceful resolution to the Boko Haram nightmare.
It was not clear who killed the general, but the shooting resembled those previously carried out by the Boko Haram elements who have repeatedly targetted prominent local figures.
Indeed, the statement issued by Lt. Col. Sagir Musa blamed Boko Haram for the assassination.Lt.COl Sagir Musa’s statement on Shuwa
Earlier today, residents and a morgue official said soldiers killed dozens of young men late Thursday during operations in four Maiduguri neighbourhoods, including Shuwa’s home area of Gwange.
Boko Haram has previously carried out targetted killings following military raids.
Shuwa, 79, was a top adviser to Yakubu Gowon, the former military head of state who led Nigeria during the 1967-70 Biafra civil war that left more than one million dead, including many from starvation.
He also served as a senior leader in the 1975-76 junta of Murtala Mohammed.
The full statement by Lt.Col. Sagir Musa announcing the assassination of Shuwa:
“At about 12 noon today at General Muhammadu Shuwa (Rtd) 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. 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.”