Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe in bandit captivity and the burning of schools in Chibok, Borno State.
In a statement on Sunday, Atiku described the two incidents as evidence of the worsening security situation in the country, accusing the Federal Government of failing to protect Nigerians and safeguard gains recorded in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The former Vice President said the death of General Rabe, a former Army spokesman and Director of Defence Information, was a tragic and unacceptable development that exposed the weaknesses of the government’s security strategy.
General Rabe was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State on May 30, 2026. While his wife remains in captivity, reports indicate that the retired military officer died after suffering complications from diabetes and hypertension during his ordeal.
Atiku described the incident as a painful reminder that even Nigerians who dedicated their lives to defending the country are no longer safe from criminal elements.
“It is with profound sadness and deep anger that we mourn the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe. That such a man could end up dying in the hands of criminals is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” he said.
According to Atiku, the incident reflects a broader national crisis in which bandits, kidnappers and terrorists continue to operate with increasing boldness while citizens are left vulnerable.
He also expressed concern over the attack on Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, where terrorists reportedly razed primary and secondary school buildings.
The former Vice President noted that the attack rekindled painful memories of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, describing Chibok as a symbol of national trauma and loss.
“The flames that consumed those school buildings have reopened wounds that many Nigerians have struggled for years to heal,” he said.
Atiku argued that the death of a retired General in captivity and the renewed attacks on schools indicate that Nigeria is gradually losing the gains secured through years of military operations and sacrifices by security personnel.
He further lamented that dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states remain in captivity, warning that continued attacks on educational institutions threaten the country’s future.
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Calling for urgent intervention, Atiku urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security and adopt more decisive and coordinated measures to tackle insecurity across the country.
He stressed that Nigerians deserve more than routine assurances and condemnations, insisting that concrete action is needed to rescue captives, dismantle criminal networks and restore confidence in the nation’s security system.
The former Vice President also extended condolences to the family of the late General Rabe and prayed for the safe release of his wife and other victims currently held by kidnappers and terrorists.
“A nation that cannot protect its heroes, its children and its citizens is facing a grave crisis. The time for decisive action is now,” Atiku stated.
