The 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 (retd), in the custody of his abductors as a national tragedy and a stark reminder of the worsening insecurity across the country.
Mark, a retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, expressed deep sadness over the development, lamenting that Nigerians have increasingly become vulnerable in their own country due to persistent threats posed by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He said the death of a distinguished military 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 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.”
The former Senate President noted that insecurity has continued to escalate for more than a decade, affecting all segments of society, and called on Nigerians to unite against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality threatening the nation’s peace and stability.
He queried: “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?”
Mark lamented that Nigeria, once regarded as the pride of Africa, is steadily losing its standing due to the inability to adequately safeguard lives and property.
He stressed the need for the country to return to the drawing board, identify the root causes of insecurity and implement practical, lasting solutions capable of restoring public confidence and strengthening national cohesion.
Despite the challenges, the ADC chairman expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its security crisis through determination, sincerity of purpose and collective commitment.
He extended his condolences to the family of the late Major General Abubakar, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and victims of banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Mark, in a statement on Saturday by his media adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan, also urged governments at all levels to rise to the challenge by mobilising the resources needed to tackle insecurity and protect citizens.
“The security and welfare of the people remain the primary responsibility of the government. We must act decisively now before more innocent lives are lost,” he stated.
(The Whistler)