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.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late military officer as a distinguished soldier who served the nation with honour before retiring from active service a few years ago.
According to the statement, General Abubakar was travelling to his hometown when he was abducted by terrorists. The President also expressed concern over the continued captivity of the late general’s wife, who remains in the hands of the kidnappers.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces, praying for strength and comfort for all those affected by the tragic loss.
The President, however, maintained that the Federal Government would not succumb to demands by terrorists for the release of their members currently in the custody of security agencies.
“While the terrorists have done their worst, the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” the statement quoted the President as saying.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to defeating insecurity, Tinubu referenced his Democracy Day address of June 12, in which he warned bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian State.
“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 stated.
The President called on Nigerians to remain united in the fight against terrorism, expressing confidence that the country would ultimately overcome its security challenges and build a more prosperous future.
Tinubu said the death of General Abubakar should serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, stressing that criminal groups must 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,” the President said.
