HallowMace Foundation Africa has expressed deep sadness over the news of the tragic death of former Defence Spokesperson, retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State.
In a joint statement signed by the Executive Director and Head Public Communication Desk, Hallowmace Foundation Africa, Amb. Anderson Osiebe and Amb. Oguh Hyginus John respectively, they commiserated with the family, the people of Katsina State, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all Nigerians, who continue to bear the devastating consequences of insecurity across the country.
According to the group “While we acknowledge and appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expression of sympathy and his strong condemnation of terrorism, we respectfully submit that press releases and condolences, though important, are no longer sufficient responses to the worsening security crisis confronting our nation.”
“The death of a retired Major-General, a man who dedicated his life to defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, is a painful reminder that no Nigerian is immune from the menace of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. If a retired senior military officer can be abducted and ultimately killed by terrorists, ordinary citizens in rural communities remain even more vulnerable.”
The Foundation stressed “This unfortunate incident raises critical questions about the effectiveness of existing security strategies and the urgency of implementing more decisive measures.”
“Nigerians are not merely looking for assurances; they are demanding visible results. Communities are under siege, farmers are abandoning their farmlands, highways have become dangerous, and countless families continue to live in fear.”
HallowMace Africa believes that this moment should serve as a wake-up call for all levels of government. Beyond declarations of resolve, there must be increased intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency coordination, enhanced welfare and equipment for security personnel, and stronger collaboration with local communities to identify and dismantle criminal networks.
The group also called for greater accountability within the security architecture and a comprehensive review of existing strategies to ensure that terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal elements are effectively neutralized before they inflict further harm on innocent Nigerians.
“The continued captivity of General Abubakar’s wife is particularly troubling. We urge security agencies to intensify efforts to secure her immediate and safe release, alongside thousands of other Nigerians still being held by criminal groups across the country.”
“Nigeria cannot afford to normalize these tragedies. Every life lost to insecurity represents a collective failure of the state to protect its citizens. The time has come for actions that match the gravity of the situation.”
The Foundation stressed “As a nation, we mourn General Rabe Abubakar. But beyond mourning, we must commit ourselves to ensuring that his death is not just another statistic in the growing catalogue of victims of insecurity.”
Nigerians deserve more than condolences. They deserve security, justice, and a government capable of protecting lives and property.
