David Mark mourns General Rabe Abubakar, calls death in captivity a national tragedy

Michael Olumide

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has described the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), in the custody of his abductors as a national tragedy, warning that the incident underscores the worsening state of insecurity across the country.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former Senate President expressed deep sadness over the death of the retired military officer, noting that Nigerians have increasingly become vulnerable to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Senator Mark, himself a retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, lamented that the loss of a distinguished officer who dedicated his life to the service of the nation highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, the death of Major General Abubakar in captivity goes beyond a personal tragedy for his family and the military community, describing it as a painful reflection of the nation’s deteriorating security environment.

“The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity is not only a personal loss to his family and the military community but also a national tragedy. It raises serious concerns about the safety and security of every Nigerian citizen,” Mark stated.

The ADC National Chairman observed that insecurity has continued to spread across different parts of the country for more than a decade, affecting citizens regardless of social status, profession or geographical location.

He therefore called on Nigerians to unite in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities threatening the peace, stability and development of the nation.

Expressing concern over the growing wave of attacks and abductions, Mark questioned the safety of ordinary Nigerians in the face of persistent security challenges.

“What next for the ordinary citizen if pupils and teachers are unsafe in schools, homes are invaded by criminals, places of worship are no longer secure, and our roads have become dangerous corridors?” he queried.

The former Senate President further lamented that Nigeria, once celebrated as the pride of Africa, is gradually losing its standing due to the inability to adequately protect lives and property.

He stressed the need for the country to return to the drawing board by identifying the root causes of insecurity and implementing practical, sustainable solutions capable of restoring public confidence and strengthening national unity.

Despite the prevailing challenges, Senator Mark expressed optimism that Nigeria can overcome its security difficulties through sincere leadership, determination and collective commitment by citizens and government institutions.

He extended his condolences to the family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, the Nigerian Armed Forces and all victims of banditry and kidnapping across the country.

Mark also urged governments at all levels to mobilise the necessary resources and take decisive measures to tackle insecurity, insisting that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.

“The security and welfare of the people remain the primary responsibility of government. We must act decisively now before more innocent lives are lost,” he said.