By Jane Okafor, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while being held captive by terrorists in Katsina State, declaring that Nigeria would never bow to the demands of criminal groups.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he was shocked by the tragic death of the retired military officer, who was abducted while travelling to his hometown.
General Abubakar, a former senior military officer, was kidnapped alongside his wife by armed assailants. While the retired general has died in captivity, his wife remains in the custody of the abductors.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the bereaved family, particularly the late general’s wife, who is still being held against her will. He also sympathised with the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces over the loss.
The President described the killing as a painful reminder of the threat posed by terrorists and bandits across the country but insisted that the government would not succumb to pressure from criminal elements.
“While the terrorists have done their worst, the President wants them to know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” the statement said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism, Tinubu recalled his Democracy Day address of June 12, during which he warned bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror to surrender or face the full weight of the law.
“As I said on June 12: ‘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,” the President stated.
He urged Nigerians to remain united in the face of insecurity, expressing confidence that the country would ultimately prevail over those seeking to destabilise it.
“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,” he added.
President Tinubu further described General Abubakar’s death as a defining moment in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, insisting that criminal groups should be treated as enemies of the state and not engaged through negotiations.
“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,” he said.
The President’s remarks came amid renewed concerns over the activities of terrorists and kidnappers in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in Katsina State, where abductions for ransom have remained a major security challenge.
