STATE OF THE NATION: Terrorists free wife of late General, release corpse for burial

*Amnesty International slams FG for spreading attacks in Nigeria

*We won’t grant terrorists’ demands -Tinubu

GABRIEL UDEH (KADUNA) & TOSIN ADAMS (LAGOS)

Former military spokesman retired Maj.-General Rabe Abubakar has died while in the custody of bandits. Confirming the incident, Katsina state government described the death as a tragic loss to his family, the state, and the nation at large.

The Daily Monitor on Sunday gathered that shortly after the incident, the later General’s wife was set free, while his corpse was released for burial according to Islamic rites.

The retired General Rabe Abubakar was one-time Director of Information (DDI) at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria between 2015 and 2017.

His death comes just days after he kidnapped alongside with his wife which also went in a viral in video where he pleaded to the state government to heed to the bandits’ demands in exchange for his freedom.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu, Katsina State government said the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension during his captivity.

The government expressed deep sorrow over the development, noting that extensive efforts were made by the state government and security agencies to secure the ex-Army General’s release to no avail.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity. Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various security agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy,” the statement said.

According to the government, the late General’s abduction and subsequent death represented a significant loss not only to his immediate family and Katsina State but also to Nigeria as a whole.

Gov. Dikko Umaru Radda extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the nation, describing the incident as a dark moment that underscored the need for stronger collaboration in tackling insecurity.

The governor said the tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified response against criminal elements threatening peace and security across communities.

The state government reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.

It also assured residents that efforts to combat banditry and restore lasting peace across the state would continue unabated.

The government offered prayers for the repose of the late General’s soul and comfort for his family during the difficult period of mourning,

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.

The president described the late officer as a distinguished soldier who served the nation meritoriously before retiring from the military.

The president said the killing would not weaken the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism and criminality across the country.

“While the terrorists have done their worst, they should know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” he said.

Reiterating his Democracy Day message, Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror to surrender or face the full force 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,” he said.

In a related development, Amnesty International has slammed FG for the handling of security matters in Nigeria, blaming her inadequate response for the spread of the menace. The organisation said this in reaction to the 17 farmers slain in Goron Namaye in Zamfara state two days ago.

According to Amnesty, “The Nigerian authorities must do more to end the incessant atrocities committed by bandits and other armed groups almost daily. As the rainy season set in farming in Zamfara state is now a matter of life and death.

“The authorities’ lethargy has allowed impunity to flourish and the killings to spread to many parts of the country, inflicting greater suffering on communities who already live in constant fear of the next attack.

“The Nigerian government has also displayed what can only be described as gross incompetence and has failed in its duty to protect the lives of its population and end the intensifying attacks and abductions.”