Late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar
The Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), who reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers in Katsina State.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Convener, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, the group described the late senior military officer’s death as painful and disturbing, noting that he dedicated much of his life to defending Nigeria and protecting its citizens.
Major General Abubakar was reportedly abducted alongside his wife while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina state.
According to reports, he died during captivity after suffering complications related to diabetes and hypertension.
Reacting to the development, PASNAFOSA condemned the circumstances surrounding his death, saying it was tragic that a man who devoted his career to combating insecurity eventually fell victim to criminal elements threatening the country’s peace and stability.
The group stated, “It is both painful and disturbing that a man who dedicated his career to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and fighting insecurity should become a victim of the same criminal elements threatening the peace and stability of our country.”
Describing the late officer as a dedicated patriot, PASNAFOSA said, “Major General Rabe Abubakar served Nigeria with honour, professionalism, courage and utmost loyalty. His death is not only a great loss to his immediate family but also to Katsina State, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation as a whole.”
The organisation urged the federal government and security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and terrorism across the country and ensure that those responsible for the retired general’s abduction and death are brought to justice.
“We call on the Federal Government, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that those responsible for his abduction and death, as well as their sponsors, are identified, apprehended and brought to justice,” the statement added.
PASNAFOSA also reiterated its opposition to the continued granting of amnesty to repentant terrorists without adequate accountability, expressing concern over efforts to reintegrate former Boko Haram members into communities.
“While recognising the importance of rehabilitation programmes where necessary, we maintain that justice, accountability and the security of innocent Nigerians must remain paramount,” the group said.
The organisation further stressed that the sacrifices of military personnel and other security operatives who lost their lives in the line of duty should not be undermined.
It extended condolences to the family of the late Major General Abubakar, the government and people of Katsina state and the Nigerian Armed Forces, praying for the repose of his soul and strength for those he left behind.
The Punch
