Insecurity worsening under Tinubu’ – Atiku on death of retired Army General in bandits’ captivity 

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has declared that Nigeria is losing hard-won gains against terrorism and banditry under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku, who said this in a statement by his media office on Sunday, cited the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe in captivity and the recent attack on schools in Chibok, Borno state, as evidence of worsening insecurity across the country.

He said the army officer’s death is a painful reminder of the vulnerability of Nigerians, including those who once served in the nation’s security architecture.

“It is with profound sadness and deep anger that we mourn the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, a distinguished former Army Spokesperson and Director of Defence Information, who tragically passed away while in the captivity of bandits.

“General Rabe devoted the better part of his life to defending Nigeria. He served this country with honour, courage, and distinction. That such a man could end up dying in the hands of criminals is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” he stated.

Recall that the ex-army spokesman was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 in Katsina state. Reports indicate that the retired army officer died in captivity after suffering complications linked to diabetes and hypertension.

“His death marks yet another painful blow to our nation’s security architecture and a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of even our most experienced military leaders in the face of rampant banditry and terrorism.

“General Rabe’s ordeal is not an isolated case. In recent times, other senior military officers and distinguished Nigerians have either been killed or subjected to similar traumatic experiences at the hands of criminal gangs,” he said.

Atiku said the attack on schools in Chibok on the same day Nigerians learnt of Rabe’s death underscored the persistence of insecurity.

“As Nigerians mourned the passing of a retired Major General in the captivity of bandits, terrorists were simultaneously attacking the Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State and setting primary and secondary school facilities ablaze.

“Chibok is not just a location; it is a national scar. Since the abduction of more than 270 schoolgirls in April 2014, the name has become a symbol of pain, loss, and collective trauma. Twelve years later, many families have still not fully recovered from the emotional devastation of that tragedy,” he lamented.