Retired military officers and associates of late Major General Rabe Abubakar have condemned the killing of the retired Army General in kidnappers captivity by bandits in Katsina State. They said that the incident exposed Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

The officers, under the aegis of colleagues, friends and associates of the deceased, expressed disgust over general Abubakar’s death after his abduction by bandits in the Matazu area of Katsina State. They described the incident as a painful loss and a warning sign about insecurity.

Brig Gen Ismaila Abdullahi, retd. called the late General’s death a tragic reflection of the state’s failure to guarantee citizens’ safety. He said if a retired senior officer could be abducted and killed, then, ordinary Nigerians remain highly vulnerable.

The group welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s response to the incident. They noted his assurance that Nigeria would not be blackmailed into making concessions to terrorists and kidnappers. The retired officers described the President’s stance as commendable.

However, they stressed that words must be matched with actions. The group said the persistent abduction of innocent citizens, including school children, has become a national tragedy that needs urgent intervention. They urged the Federal Government to adopt more decisive measures against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

The briefing was attended by several senior retired officers, including Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, Amb A. Mohammed Musawa, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, retd., Brig Gen Maharazu Tsiga, Aminu Abdullahi Kofar Soro, and Brig-Gen Abdulkadir Abubakar, retd.. They all stood in solidarity for stronger security reforms.