President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who died while being held captive by terrorists in Katsina State.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as shocking and extended his condolences to the late military officer’s family, the Katsina State Government, and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to the statement, General Abubakar, who retired from the military after a distinguished career, was abducted by terrorists while travelling to his hometown.
President Tinubu also sympathised with the late general’s wife, who remains in the custody of the kidnappers.
The President reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to combating terrorism and kidnapping, stressing that the government would not yield to demands for the release of detained terrorists in exchange for hostages.
“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 President stated.
He referenced his June 12 Democracy Day address, warning bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian state.
“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.
The President described General Abubakar’s death as a defining moment in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, insisting that terrorists and insurgents should never be negotiated with but treated as enemies of the state.
“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 added.
