Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges following the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe in the custody of bandits.
In a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, Atiku described the death of the former Director of Defence Information as a tragic reminder of the country’s deteriorating security situation, saying it exposed what he called the inadequacies of the Federal Government’s response to banditry and terrorism.
According to Atiku, General Rabe, who was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, in Katsina State, devoted his life to the service of Nigeria and deserved better protection from the nation he served.
“It is with profound sadness and deep anger that we mourn the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe,” Atiku said, adding that the retired officer’s death in captivity was both heartbreaking and unacceptable.
Reports indicated that the retired General died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while efforts to secure his release failed. His wife is reportedly still being held by the kidnappers.
The former Vice President said the incident underscored the growing vulnerability of Nigerians, including senior military officers, in the face of escalating insecurity.
He noted that the death of General Rabe coincided with a terrorist attack on Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, where school facilities were reportedly set ablaze.
Atiku described the attack as particularly disturbing given Chibok’s history as the site of the 2014 abduction of more than 270 schoolgirls by insurgents.
“Chibok is not just a location; it is a national scar,” he said, arguing that the latest attack reopened painful memories for many Nigerians and reflected a reversal of security gains achieved over the years.
The ADC presidential candidate further expressed concern over reports that about 90 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oyo and Borno states since May 15 remain in captivity, alongside other victims of banditry and terrorism across the country.
According to him, attacks on schools and the continued abduction of children represent a direct threat to Nigeria’s future and expose weaknesses in the country’s security architecture.
Atiku reiterated his earlier call for the declaration of a state of emergency on security, insisting that the Federal Government must adopt more decisive and coordinated measures to combat criminal networks and restore public confidence.
He said Nigerians deserved concrete results rather than what he described as routine condemnations and assurances.
The former Vice President extended his condolences to the family of the late General Rabe and prayed for the safe release of his wife and other Nigerians currently being held captive.
He urged the government to take urgent action to stem the tide of insecurity, warning that the country risks losing hard-won gains if decisive measures are not implemented.
