President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in terrorist captivity in Katsina State, and has ruled out any negotiation with the abductors.
In a statement on Saturday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed shock at the death of the distinguished military officer, describing him as a soldier who served the nation meritoriously before retirement.
General Abubakar was reportedly travelling with his wife to his hometown when they were both abducted by terrorists. His wife remains in captivity.
President Tinubu extended condolences to the deceased’s family, the Katsina State Government, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He insisted that the killing would not weaken the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism and criminality across the country.
“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,” the President said.
Reiterating his Democracy Day message, Mr Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror to surrender or face the full force of the law.
“As I said on 12 June, 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 President urged Nigerians to remain united and confident that the country’s enemies would ultimately be defeated. He said the death of the retired general should serve as a defining moment in the nation’s fight against terrorism and insurgency.
“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,” Mr Tinubu said.
General Abubakar, a former army spokesman, was last seen in a video released by his captors, who had demanded the release of detained bandits and seized livestock.