A civil society organisation, Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNAFOSA), has condemned the abduction of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), and his wife by suspected kidnappers in Katsina State.
The organisation described the incident as shocking, painful and a grave assault on a retired senior military officer who devoted decades of service to the defence and unity of Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Lagos by its Convener, Ambassador Mary Abayomi Fatile, PSNAFOSA said the disturbing development further underscored the worsening security challenges confronting several parts of the country.
According to available reports, the retired Army General and his wife were reportedly abducted along the Matazu Local Government Area corridor while travelling to Katsina.
The organisation disclosed that the victims’ driver escaped from the scene with gunshot injuries, while their red Peugeot 406 vehicle was later recovered and taken to the Matazu Division of the Nigeria Police Force.
Fatile urged the Federal Government, military authorities and other security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted couple.
She stated that Major General Abubakar served Nigeria with loyalty, professionalism and uncommon dedication throughout his military career, noting that the nation could not afford to abandon those who once defended its territorial integrity.
“It is heartbreaking that a distinguished officer and his wife are subjected to such a traumatic ordeal after years of patriotic service to the nation,” she said.
The organisation also expressed deep concern over the persistent wave of insecurity across the country, including the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State.
Fatile stressed that the safety of children must remain a national priority, warning that attacks on schools and innocent pupils pose a serious threat to the future of the country.
“The affected children must be rescued without delay because they represent the hope and future leadership of Nigeria. Every necessary measure must be taken to guarantee their safety and continued access to education,” she added.
PSNAFOSA further appealed to perpetrators of kidnappings and other violent crimes to renounce criminality, embrace peace and release all victims unharmed, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and security agencies through advocacy, prayers and public enlightenment programmes.