Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State in northern Nigeria.
The statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja, said that President Tinubu described the late officer as a distinguished soldier, who served the nation meritoriously before retiring from the military.
Abubakar was reportedly travelling with his wife to his hometown when he was abducted by the terrorists.
Tinubu commiserated with the family of the deceased, particularly his wife, who remains in captivity and extended his condolences to the Katsina State Government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
President Tinubu said that the killing of the General would not weaken the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism and criminality across Nigeria.
“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.
The Nigerian leader urged Nigerians to remain united and confident that the country’s enemies would ultimately be defeated.
He said that the death of the retired general should serve as a defining moment in the nation’s fight against terrorism and insurgency.
“Gen. 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,” Tinubu said.
General Abubakar was a former Nigerian Army spokesman. He was last seen in a video released by his captors, demanding the release of detained bandits and seized livestock.
GIK/APA