President Bola Tinubu
By Abdullahi Abubakar
President Bola Tinubu has rejected the demands of terrorists requesting for the release of their members.
President Tinubu in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, unequivocally and categorically told the terrorists that government would never bow to their demand to release their members held by security agencies.
Tinubu stated this while reacting to the news of the death of the former Director of Defence Information, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd.), in the custody of terrorists in Katsina.
According to Tinubu: “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.
“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.”
He expressed shock over the death of retired Major General Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State.
The President commiserated with his family, and extended his condolences to the Katsina State government and the armed forces.
It would be recalled that the retired general was abducted alongside his wife around the Matazu area of Katsina while traveling to a wedding, died in the custody of bandits exactly two weeks after his abduction.
The Katsina State Government, which confirmed the death, described the incident as a tragic loss to the state and the nation.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, and made available to journalists.
The government said the retired military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
According to the statement, the state government and security agencies made several efforts to secure his release, but they were unsuccessful.
