Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate and former Vice President, has criticized the killing of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe. He called it damning proof of government failure to protect Nigerian lives.
In a Sunday statement from his media office, Atiku described the death as evidence of the Tinubu administration's weakness on security. He said the incident shows how vulnerable Nigerians have become across the country.
"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," the former vice president said.
Atiku noted that Rabe's death goes far beyond the loss of one retired officer. It reflects a deeper security crisis facing the entire nation, he argued.
"It is a stark reflection of a nation where criminal elements have become emboldened while citizens are increasingly left to fend for themselves," Atiku stated. "His death marks yet another painful blow to our nation's security architecture."
The former vice president pointed out that this wasn't an isolated incident. He cited a pattern of attacks on senior military officers and prominent citizens by criminal groups in recent times.
On the same day Rabe died, Atiku noted, terrorists struck Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State. They set fire to educational facilities there, he said.
Chibok carries deep national wounds. More than 270 schoolgirls were abducted there in April 2014, an event that shocked Nigeria.
"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," Atiku said.
He stressed that the latest attack has reopened old traumas. Concerns about security in Borno State are mounting again, he noted.
"The symbolism is devastating. A retired General who spent his life fighting for Nigeria dies in the hands of criminals, while terrorists return to one of their most notorious trademarks — attacking schools and terrorising communities in Borno State," Atiku remarked.
Many schoolchildren and teachers remain in captivity following recent raids. Atiku said this situation demands urgent action from government authorities.
"Every school burned by terrorists is an attack on Nigeria's future. Every child abducted is a reminder of state failure.
Every citizen killed or left in captivity is an indictment of a security architecture that is no longer working," he stated.
Atiku repeated his call for stronger government action on insecurity. He urged the Federal Government to act fast and decisively without delay.
"The Federal Government must rise to the occasion without further delay. Empty promises, propaganda and routine condemnations are no longer enough.
Nigerians deserve decisive, coordinated and result-oriented action that will rescue those in captivity," Atiku concluded.
