By Peace Udugba
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to combating terrorism and refusing to negotiate with criminal elements.
According to a statement shared on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu described the late military officer’s death as shocking and painful.
Reports indicated that General Abubakar, who served Nigeria with distinction during his military career, was travelling to his hometown when he was abducted by terrorists.
The President extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, particularly his wife, who remains in captivity. He also sympathised with the Katsina State Government and members of the Armed Forces over the tragic incident.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to defeat terrorism, stressing that the government would not succumb to pressure from terrorist groups seeking the release of their members currently in the custody of Nigerian security agencies.
“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,” the statement quoted the President as saying.
The President’s remarks underscore the Federal Government’s continued hardline stance against terrorism and its determination to bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
