President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State, declaring that the Nigerian Government will not yield to terrorists’ demands.
The President in a statement signed by his Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, commiserated with Rtd. Gen Abubakar’s family, especially his wife, who is still being held against her will by the captors.
President Tinubu said the tragic loss of General Abubakar should strengthen national resolve against terrorism, emphasising that Nigeria must remain steadfast in its determination to defeat insurgents and other violent criminal groups seeking to undermine the country’s security and stability.
The President also extended his condolences to the Katsina State government and the armed forces.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“While the terrorists have done their worst, the President wants them to know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” President Tinubu added.
General Abubakar, after a distinguished career in the military, retired a few years ago. He was on his way to his hometown when the hoodlums captured him
