Hayatu-Deen pays tribute to former military spokesperson Rabe, calls for immediate overhaul of security measures

n n

A former presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of his abductors.

n

PUNCH Online had reported that Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State and died after spending weeks in captivity.

n

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen described the late former Army spokesman as a distinguished military officer who served the country with honour and dedication.

n

Hayatu-Deen stated that the incident reflects the growing insecurity across the country and called for urgent measures to address the crisis.

n

“This is not a partisan statement. I have no interest in scoring political points off the graves of our soldiers or the suffering of our children. I speak as a concerned private citizen,” he said.

n

The former presidential hopeful noted that several Nigerians remain in captivity, including schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oriire in Oyo State 27 days ago.

n

He also referenced recent attacks in Kogi State, where bandits reportedly killed a vice principal, a six-year-old child and another resident during a WAEC examination period. He further cited the terrorist attack on Kautikari village near Chibok in Borno State, the abduction of more than 40 students in Askira-Uba, and the killing of an officer and six soldiers in Kaduna State.

n

According to him, such incidents are occurring in virtually every part of the country, underscoring the need for a comprehensive response.

n

While mourning General Abubakar, fallen military personnel and other victims of terrorism and banditry, Hayatu-Deen said expressions of sympathy alone would not solve the problem.

n

He pointed to Nigeria’s ranking on the Global Terrorism Index and reports of rising terrorism-related deaths as indicators of the severity of the challenge.

n

Hayatu-Deen argued that insecurity and economic hardship are closely connected, warning that poverty, unemployment and rising living costs are creating conditions that encourage criminal activities and recruitment into violent groups.

n

He urged federal and state governments to strengthen social welfare programmes, support struggling businesses, assist farmers affected by insecurity and expand safety nets for vulnerable communities.

n

The ADC chieftain also welcomed the recent passage by the House of Representatives of a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police and called on the Senate to expedite its consideration.

n

“While state police is not a cure-all, it is an important step toward strengthening local security, provided safeguards are put in place to prevent abuse, corruption and political interference,” he said.

n

Hayatu-Deen also advocated stronger community policing structures, improved intelligence gathering, revitalisation of the Multinational Joint Task Force and enhanced collaboration with neighbouring countries to tackle cross-border terrorism.

n

He further called for increased support for the military through aggressive recruitment, improved welfare packages, better care for families of fallen personnel, modern equipment and enhanced training.

n

While commending the armed forces for recent operations, including the rescue of 360 women and children from a terrorist camp in Borno State, he stressed that more decisive action was required to halt what he described as the country’s gradual slide into lawlessness.

n

He urged governments at all levels and citizens to adopt a whole-of-society approach to addressing insecurity and poverty.

n

According to him, national unity and collective action remain critical to restoring peace, stability and public confidence across the country.

n n