[VIDEO] Abducted ex-defence spokesperson, wife plead for dialogue as captors demand release of detainees, livestock
A video featuring retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, and his wife has emerged online, showing the couple appealing for the release of detained individuals and confiscated livestock as part of efforts to secure their freedom.
In the footage, Abubakar’s wife appealed to authorities in Katsina State and several local government areas to intervene in the matter.
“We are appealing to the government at all levels, from the State Government to the Local Governments within this area. We appeal to His Excellency, Governor Dikko Radda, and the LGA Chairmen of Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Charanci, and Kusada — these five local government leaders — to please come to our aid,” she said in Hausa.
She explained that three individuals had been arrested and their livestock seized.
“Three of their children, Aminu, Sani, Nasiru, and others, were arrested, and their livestock cows and sheep were also seized. They are requesting the release of both the children and the animals,” she said.
“We plead with whoever is in a position of authority to help grant this request so that we, too, can be freed from this situation.”
According to her, two of those arrested were apprehended in Jikamshi, while another was detained in Kano State.
“Please, let us facilitate the release of these children and their seized animals. Once they are released, it will open the door for reconciliation, restoring peace so that residents can live without fear and farmers can cultivate their lands peacefully. This is our humble request to the governor and the five LGA chairmen,” she added.
She further claimed the abductors described themselves as contributors to local security efforts.
“Additionally, these individuals play a vital role in protecting this area; they have informed us that they are actively securing the land,” she said.
Calling for negotiations, she urged government officials to pursue peaceful engagement with the group.
“Since the primary duty of the government is to provide security for its citizens, we urge the authorities to cooperate, sit down with them, and find a lasting solution. Reconciliation is always the best path, as Allah says, ‘Al-Sulhu Khayran’. By doing this, everything will be resolved by God’s grace, and they will feel valued as citizens of the country,” she said.
Abubakar and his wife were kidnapped on May 30 while travelling through Katsina State.
The Defence Headquarters had earlier stated that efforts were ongoing to rescue the couple and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.
Click the link to watch the video.