Tinubu Mourns Retired General Rabe Abubakar, Vows No Negotiation With Terrorists
President Bola 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.
The late military officer, who retired from active service a few years ago, was reportedly travelling to his hometown when he was abducted by the terrorists.
Reacting to the tragic development on Saturday, President Tinubu declared that despite the killing of the retired general, his administration would not succumb to pressure from criminal groups by releasing detained terrorists in exchange for hostages.
“The terrorists have done their worst, but we will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” the President said.
Reiterating his stance against insecurity, Tinubu referenced his Democracy Day address, warning bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian State.
“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 stated.
The President urged Nigerians to remain united in the face of security challenges, expressing confidence that the country would ultimately overcome terrorism.
“As Nigerians, we must stand together and be assured that the enemies of our nation will soon become history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he added.
Tinubu further described General Abubakar’s death as a critical moment in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, insisting that terrorists and insurgents should never be negotiated with but treated as enemies of the state.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, particularly General Abubakar’s wife, who remains in the custody of the abductors.
