Chiemelie Ezeobi
#The Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (#PASNAFOSA) receives with sadness the news of the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd), former Director of Defence Information, while in the custody of his abductors in Katsina State.
The late senior military officer, who was abducted alongside his wife while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, reportedly succumbed to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension during his captivity.
In a strongly worded press release,
Ambassador Mary Abayomi -Fatile, Convener, Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PASNAFOSA) said: “We condemn in the strongest terms the circumstances that led to the death of a distinguished military officer who devoted the greater part of his life to the service, defence and protection of Nigeria and its people.
“It is both painful and disturbing that a man who dedicated his career to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and fighting insecurity should become a victim of the same criminal elements threatening the peace and stability of our country.
“Major General Rabe Abubakar served Nigeria with honour, professionalism, courage and utmost loyalty. His death is not only a great loss to his immediate family but also to Katsina State, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation as a whole.
“PSNAFSA believes that this unfortunate incident should serve as a wake-up call to all relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards ending banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country.
“We call on the Federal Government, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that those responsible for his abduction and death, as well as their sponsors, are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.
“Furthermore, we reiterate our longstanding position against the continuous granting of amnesty to so-called repentant terrorists without adequate accountability.
“We are particularly concerned by recent efforts to reintegrate former Boko Haram members into communities despite the enormous pain, destruction and loss of lives caused by their activities.
“While recognising the importance of rehabilitation programmes where necessary, we maintain that justice, accountability and the security of innocent Nigerians must remain paramount.
“The sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies who have paid the ultimate price in the defence of the nation must never be undermined.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, the Government and people of Katsina State, and the Nigerian Armed Forces. We pray that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
