The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has described the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of kidnappers as a tragic loss to Nigeria and a stark reflection of the country’s worsening security crisis.
Mark, a former President of the Senate and retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, expressed deep sorrow over the development, saying the incident highlights the growing dangers posed by kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes across the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC chairman said the killing of a senior military officer who dedicated his life to serving Nigeria should compel authorities to urgently reassess the nation’s security framework.
According to Mark, the late Major General Abubakar’s death goes beyond a personal loss to his family and colleagues in the military, describing it as a national tragedy that raises serious questions about the safety of citizens.
“The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity is not only a painful loss to his family and the military community but also a national tragedy. It raises fundamental concerns about the security of every Nigerian,” he said.
The former Senate President noted that insecurity has continued to spread across different parts of the country for more than a decade, affecting communities, institutions, and individuals regardless of status.
He urged Nigerians to remain united in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening the nation’s peace and stability.
Mark questioned the future of ordinary citizens in a country where schools, homes, places of worship, and major highways are increasingly vulnerable to attacks by criminal elements.
“What becomes of the average Nigerian when pupils and teachers are no longer safe in schools, homes are routinely invaded, worship centres are targeted, and highways have become unsafe?” he asked.
He lamented that Nigeria’s reputation as a leading nation in Africa is being undermined by persistent security challenges and the inability to adequately protect lives and property.
The ADC leader called for a comprehensive review of the factors fueling insecurity, stressing the need for practical and sustainable measures that can restore public confidence and strengthen national unity.
Despite the security concerns, Mark expressed optimism that Nigeria can overcome its challenges through collective effort, genuine commitment, and decisive leadership.
He extended his condolences to the family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and countless victims of kidnapping and banditry across the country.
The former Senate President also appealed to federal, state, and local governments to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity by deploying the necessary resources and strategies to curb criminal activities.
“The security and welfare of the people remain the foremost responsibility of government. Urgent and decisive action is needed to prevent further loss of innocent lives,” Mark stated.
The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar has once again brought renewed attention to Nigeria’s security challenges and the growing threat posed by kidnappers and armed criminal groups operating across the country.
