President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed shock over the killing of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State, and declared that his death must be a “defining moment” in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.
In a statement, the President said General Abubakar, who retired a few years ago after a distinguished military career, was abducted by “hoodlums” while traveling to his hometown in Katsina State. He died in captivity.
Tinubu commiserated with the family of the late general, “especially his wife, who is still being held against her will by the captors.” He also extended condolences to the Katsina State government and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The President sent a strong warning to terrorist groups. He said “while the terrorists have done their worst, the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies.”
Reiterating his Democracy Day address of June 12, Tinubu said: “Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
He added: “As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.”
Tinubu said General Abubakar’s death “should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared.”
Dateline Nigeria reports that Katsina and other Northwest states have faced repeated attacks by bandits and insurgents targeting travelers and rural communities.
