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President Bola Tinubu has described the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State as shocking, insisting that the perpetrators have done their worst.
Tinubu however took to a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga on Saturday, to sound a note of warning that the Federal Government was not ready to accept the demand of the terrorists to release their members held in prison to them.
“The terrorists have done their worst, but they should know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” Tinubu emphasized.
Tinubu reiterated his Democracy Day address, warning the terrorists to take advantage of the grace period to surrender or face the full weight of the law.
He also said the death of Gen Rabe should serve as a wake up call never to spare terrorists or accede to their demands.
General Abubakar, after a distinguished career in the military, retired a few years ago.
He was on his way to his hometown when the hoodlums captured him and some members of his family.
He reportedly died from a natural cause as he was believed to have suffered from high blood pressure.
In the statement made available to State House reporters, the President commiserated with his family, especially his wife, who is still being held against her will by the captors.
He also extended his condolences to the Katsina State government and the armed forces.
“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.”
