The Peoples Redemption Party has mourned the death of retired Major General and former Army spokesperson, Rabe Abubakar, describing the incident as a sad development while again criticising the Federal Government’s approach to tackling insecurity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, the party said the late officer’s death after being kidnapped by bandits reflected the severity of Nigeria’s security challenges.
Abubakar was reportedly abducted alongside his wife, Amina, in Katsina State several weeks ago. While security forces later rescued his wife during a military operation, the retired general was said to have died while still in captivity.
Commenting on the incident, Ishaq said, “The PRP is profoundly saddened and outraged by the death of General Rabe Abubakar (retd) in captivity and the ongoing abduction of many innocent Nigerians.
“This tragic incident is a stark and undeniable testament to the failure of President Tinubu’s administration to provide the security and protection that every Nigerian deserves.
“It exposes the stark reality that the current government lacks both the will and the capacity to safeguard lives and property in our nation.”
The opposition party noted that the incident, as well as the continued detention of other kidnap victims across the country, including pupils in Oyo State, should spur authorities to take stronger action against criminal groups.
“This terrible incident, coupled with the continued captivity of many other innocent Nigerians, including school children in Oyo State, underscores the urgent need for accountability and decisive action.
“It is a clear indication that the administration’s rhetoric is far removed from the harsh realities faced by our people daily. This is precisely why PRP recently called for President Tinubu’s resignation — because leadership without capacity and integrity only perpetuates fear, insecurity, and despair among Nigerians.”
The party maintained that Nigeria possesses the resources needed to curb insecurity but lacks effective leadership to fully utilise them.
“The nation is endowed with sufficient resources, assets, and human potential to roll back the wave of insecurity that threatens our collective peace and development. What we lack, however, is the courage, imagination, integrity, and compassion necessary to confront and defeat bandits and kidnappers effectively.
“The time for mere words and superficial gestures has passed; Nigeria needs action that is firm, strategic, and relentless.”
PRP also urged the government to prioritise the rescue of all remaining captives and demonstrate greater commitment to ending kidnapping and banditry nationwide.
“We demand that all immediate steps be taken to secure the swift and safe release of all other captives held in Nigeria. The government must move beyond issuing press statements and show real commitment to ending this cycle of violence and impunity.
“We call on Nigerians to rise and adopt all lawful means necessary to insist that President Tinubu goes beyond rhetoric. Our collective destiny depends on it. The enemies of peace and progress should no longer register victories over us. Enough is enough.
“Nigeria deserves leadership that is courageous, imaginative, and compassionate. The time for change is now.”