National News
President Tinubu rejects terrorists’ demands after Retired General dies in captivity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has responded to the death of Major General Abubakar Rabe while in captivity under bandits, reinforcing the policy of the Federal Government on non-negotiations with terrorists and kidnappers demanding the freedom of detained terrorists.
In his response, Tinubu stated that no negotiations will be entered into by his government in connection with the demands of the bandits for the freedom of the detained terrorists before they can release the retired military officer and his wife.
The President issued this statement on Saturday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the sad demise of Major General Abubakar Rabe who had been in captivity for about two weeks.
While the former military man has been confirmed dead, his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar is still in the captivity of the abductors.
The bandits are reported to have demanded the release of three of their men from the custody of the Federal Government as the precondition for releasing the couple from their captivity.
This demand was also raised by some kidnappers in possession of pupils and teachers who had been abducted from schools in Oyo State.
“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,” the statement said.
Reaffirming his administration’s hardline stance against terrorism, Tinubu reiterated his Democracy Day warning to criminal groups operating across the country.
“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,” he stated.
The President urged Nigerians to remain united and confident that the country would eventually overcome insecurity.
“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,” he added.
Tinubu described the death of the retired General as a painful reminder of the need to intensify the fight against terrorism and banditry.
According to him, the incident should reinforce the government’s resolve not to negotiate with terrorists but to continue treating them as enemies of the Nigerian state.
“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,” the President said.
He also extended his condolences to the family of the late General, the Katsina State Government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, while expressing concern for the retired officer’s wife who remains in captivity.
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