President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed shock and deep sadness over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late military officer as a patriot who served the nation with distinction before retiring from active service.
According to the statement, General Abubakar was travelling to his hometown when he was abducted by terrorists. His death has drawn widespread condemnation, while his wife remains in captivity.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, particularly his wife who is still being held by the kidnappers. He also sympathised with the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces over the tragic loss.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s determination to defeat terrorism and banditry, insisting that the government would not succumb to demands by criminal groups for the release of detained terrorists.
While condemning the killing, Tinubu stressed that the actions of terrorists would not weaken the resolve of the Nigerian state to confront insecurity.
Reiterating his Democracy Day message of June 12, the President declared that bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror must either surrender or face the full weight of the law.
“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.
He called on Nigerians to remain united and confident in the country’s ability to overcome security challenges, assuring citizens that the enemies of the nation would ultimately be defeated.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu further noted that General Abubakar’s death should serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insurgency, emphasizing that the nation must never negotiate with terrorists.
“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,” the statement added.
