By Opeyemi Adelakun
President Bola Tinubu has vowed that the Federal Government will not bow to the demands of terrorists following the death of retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe in captivity.
The President’s position was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, after news emerged that the abducted former military officer died while being held by bandits.
Rabe was reportedly kidnapped alongside his wife while travelling to his hometown about two weeks ago.
The kidnappers had earlier released a video demanding the release of three of their members in government custody in exchange for the retired general and his wife.
Reacting to the development, Tinubu condemned the killing and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism and kidnapping across the country.
“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,” Onanuga stated.
The President reiterated his warning to bandits, kidnappers and their sponsors to surrender or face the full force of the law, stressing that no mercy would be shown to those responsible for terrorising Nigerians.
He described Rabe’s death as a painful loss and a reminder of the need to sustain the fight against terrorism and criminality.
According to the President, the incident should reinforce the government’s resolve never to negotiate with terrorists but to continue treating them as enemies of the state.
Tinubu also expressed condolences to the family of the late retired general, particularly his wife, as well as the Katsina State Government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He assured Nigerians that the government remained determined to overcome terrorism and restore peace and security across the country.
Leave a Reply