A Nigerian diplomat, Habibu Almustapha, was found dead on Thursday at his home in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

Dubai-based al-Arabiya television identified the diplomat as the consul general and described his death as an “assassination.” Reports suggested that the killers used a knife in the attack.

Though intermittent violence is common in Sudan’s warring southern and western regions, violence in the capital is rare.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was awaiting a detailed report on the killing.

The ministry said,

“The ministry has received the sad news of the untimely death of the immigration attache in our Mission in Khartoum, Sudan.

“We are awaiting further/detailed report from the Mission after which a statement would be issued” it read in part.