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Major Gen Abubakar: Death Without Answers, And A Government’s Reckless Words For A Reckless Death

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The Source
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Major -General Rabe Abubakar
Major -General Rabe Abubakar

By Suleiman Usman Yusuf 

 

Yesterday, in marking Democracy Day with a piece titled “Inside Out and Upside Down,” I referenced retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, then still in the hands of his abductors, as an example of how unsafe even our most decorated citizens have become.

 

Today, barely a day later, the Katsina State Government has announced his death while in captivity.

 

The Katsina State Government announced that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar died “a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension” while in the custody of his abductors.

 

I have one question. What is natural about a man with known health conditions being denied his medication for two weeks? What is natural about a 70 year old retired General, who served this nation with distinction, being dragged through forests, deprived of rest, dignity, and care, until his body simply gave way? Why should we normalize a situation where a man dies in the custody of his abductors, as though he passed away peacefully in his own home, surrounded by family and proper care?

 

And beyond the question of what is “natural,” there is a more basic one: how does the Katsina State Government even know what killed him? Did the state have access to his body? Was an autopsy conducted to determine the actual cause of death? Or is this account based on information relayed by the very bandits holding him captive? For a government to issue such a definitive medical conclusion, without indicating any of this, is not just insensitive. It is reckless, and it reveals a troubling level of communication incapacitation at the highest levels of state government.

 

There is nothing natural about dying in agony, in captivity, at the mercy of men who reduced a General of the Nigerian Army to a bargaining chip for livestock and detained associates.

 

If anything killed General Rabe, it was not diabetes. It was the system that allowed him to be taken in the first place, and the weeks of negotiation, video demands, and “advanced stage” rescue efforts that came to nothing while his body broke down.

 

Call it what it is. Not a natural death. A death of neglect, abandonment, and a state that has normalized the suffering of its citizens, even its decorated ones, to the point where dying slowly in a bandit’s camp can be filed away as “natural causes,” based on an account no one has bothered to verify.

 

May he rest in peace. But let us not insult his memory by pretending this was anything but preventable, and let us not allow careless, unverified official statements to become the final word on how he died.

 

Because that, after all, may be exactly what this press release was designed to achieve: a quick, tidy conclusion, no coroner’s report, no criminal investigation findings, no official inquiry, just a “natural” diagnosis announced within a day of his death, closing the file before it was ever truly opened. No consequences. No answers. No justice. Just another name filed away, until the next tragedy gives us cause to remember it.

 

We owe General Rabe more than that. And frankly, we owe ourselves more than that too.

Yusuf writes from Abuja. He could be reached via [email protected]

“Every Operational Resource Was Deployed To Secure Release Of Late Maj Gen Abubakar” – DHQ

By
Ayodele Oni
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Major -General Rabe Abubakar
Major -General Rabe Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing the release of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died in captivity after being abducted by criminals.

 

Expressing deep sorrow over the death of the officer in a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, described the late senior officer as a distinguished military professional whose contributions to national security and the development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remain invaluable.

 

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria convey its deepest sympathies to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and all Nigerians.

 

“Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the AFN as Director Defence Information.

 

“He made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the AFN and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts.

 

“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN,” the statement said.

 

The Defence Headquarters disclosed that it deliberately refrained from making public comments on the retired General’s abduction in order not to jeopardize ongoing efforts aimed at securing his release.

 

“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” Uba stated

 

Describing the development as a painful loss, the military said the incident has further strengthened its determination to eliminate terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes threatening the nation’s peace and security.

 

“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens,” the statement added.

 

The Defence Headquarters noted that ongoing military operations across the country have been intensified in response to the growing incidents of abduction and terrorism, including the kidnapping of the late retired general.

 

“In response to series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation.

 

“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorist activities across the nation are held to account,” Uba said.

 

The military reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation and ensuring that those responsible for acts of terrorism and criminality face justice

Education, Healthcare Remain Surest Path to National Development – Obi

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The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate  of Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC),  Mr. Peter Obi, has reiterated that education and healthcare remain the most reliable pathways to national development, stressing that Nigeria cannot transition from a consumption-driven economy to a productive one without substantial investment in human capital.

 

Obi made the assertion at the Maiden Convocation and Third Matriculation Ceremony of the Central Washington College (CWC) of Nursing Sciences and Health Technology, Enugu,  on Saturday, where he was represented by Prof. Patrick Obi.

 

According to Obi, higher education should go beyond the acquisition of certificates and focus on nurturing critical thinking, integrity, professional discipline, and character. He noted that universities, colleges, and technical institutions must become centres of innovation and ethical leadership if Nigeria is to compete effectively in the global economy.

 

He warned that any nation that neglects education and healthcare risks deepening poverty among its citizens, adding that sustainable development can only be achieved through deliberate investment in knowledge and human capacity development.

 

The event marked a significant milestone for the institution as it graduated its first set of 236 healthcare professionals, comprising 200 graduates from the College of Nursing Sciences and 36 from the College of Health Sciences. The college also matriculated 128 new students, including 65 admitted into Nursing Sciences and 63 into Health Sciences and Technology programmes.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, the President and Founder of the institution, Prof. Augustine Uchenna Akubue, highlighted the college’s growth since its establishment on November 3, 2020. He noted that the institution has secured approval from the National Board for Technical Education and relevant professional regulatory bodies, positioning it as a centre of excellence in healthcare education.

 

Obi commended the vision and commitment of the college’s management, faculty, and governing council for providing quality training and infrastructure aimed at producing globally competitive healthcare professionals.

 

Addressing the pioneer graduating class, he urged them to uphold the values of compassion, competence, and ethical responsibility as they begin their professional careers.

 

The ceremony was chaired by Chief Nnia Nwodo, while Prof. Joseph Nwazi served as Chairman of the Governing Board and delivered the keynote address. Also in attendance were the Provost of the college, Dr. Mrs. Veronica Chijioke Chiegeiro, parents, guardians, and other stakeholders in the education and healthcare sectors.

 

Obi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote education and healthcare, describing investment in the nation’s youth as the most effective route to building a productive and prosperous Nigeria.

Bandits Kill Over 17 Farmers, Injure Others In Zamfara State

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bandits in the North

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Over 17 Farmers have allegedly been killed, and several others injured by suspected Bandits in Goran Namaye Village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

 

It was gathered from an indigene identified as Ibrahim Mohammed,  that the attack occurred on Friday while the farmers were working on their farmlands.

 

He added that the Armed Men had earlier issued a warning to residents, threatening to attack anyone who went to the farm during the planting season.

 

He further stressed that the Bandits were annoyed that despite their warning, some farmers proceeded to their farmlands.

 

Mohammed narrated the incident thus: “Suddenly, the bandits who were in large numbers invaded the farmlands and started to shoot at the farmers.

 

“They were able to kill 17 farmers, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries,” he said.

 

Eyewitness report confirms that 17 farmers were killed on the spot, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

 

He added that the victims were later given a mass burial, while the injured were taken to a hospital in Talata-Mafara for treatment.

 

Hon. Maharazu Salisu, member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Maharazu Salisu, condemned the attack and called on the Federal and state governments to take urgent steps to address the worsening insecurity in the area.

 

He warned that continued attacks could discourage farming activities, noting that residents were already living in fear due to the presence of armed groups across several communities.

 

He also cited cases of abductions in nearby areas, alleging that some residents remain in captivity following failed attempts at reconciliation with bandits.

 

He said, “Both the state and the Federal government should do something urgently to stop these killings, otherwise, our people will be prevented from farming this year.

 

“These bandits are everywhere in the local government and are bent on making sure that farming activities are stopped.

 

“They are not demanding ransom from farmers when they kidnap them, as their mission is just to stop farming activities.”

 

The Lawmaker further urged security agencies to intensify efforts to restore safety and ensure farmers  return to their farmlands without fear of attack.

 

He added that situation needs to be urgently addressed, as it could worsen food insecurity in the state and across the region.

BREAKING: Abducted Nigeria’s Military General Dies In Kidnappers’ Den

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Major General Rabe Abubakar

By Adesina Soyooye

 

The last time he was seen alive, it was in a humiliating video shot and released by his abductors. There, Major General Rabe Abubakar, rtd,  stood, helpless.

 

The irony: the Army Major General was obeying the command of riff-raffs. Standing beside him was his wife. They were in a forest. Their abductors forced them to stand up. They did. They forced them to address Nigerians. They did. First was the wife who seemed stronger than the General. Then the General spoke, briefly. They  were pleading for their lives. They were appealing to Nigerians to come to their aid. They were appealing to the State Government, the Federal Government, the Military. They asked that their captors be “appeased” so as to regain their freedom. Their captors wanted their detained criminal colleagues.

 

Nothing worked. On Saturday, the bad news came. Major General Abubakar has died in captivity two weeks after he was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State.

 

Just so nobody is in doubt, the, Katsina State Government quickly confirmed his death. In the statement, the Government

said the military officer died from complications which stemmed from  diabetes and hypertension while with his abductors.

 

In the statement signed by Katsina State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, the Government described his death as a tragic loss. It regretted that despite efforts by the State Government and Security agencies to secure his freedom, all came to nought.

 

Tthe statement: “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity. Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy.

 

“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

 

“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.

 

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at-large. The Governor has described this incident as a “dark moment” and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time.

 

 May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”

 

Abubakar was a former Director of Defence Information. He and his wife were kidnapped around the Matazu area of Katsina State while travelling to attend a wedding ceremony.

 

A couple of days after their abduction, the couple appeared in a video released by their captors. In the video, they demanded the release of three detained associates identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, as well the return of livestock allegedly seized from them. Sadly, nothing worked out.

Labour Party Commends INEC For Including Its Candidate In Enugu North Senatorial By-election

By
The Source
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Labour Party

Bowing to pressure and the the rule of law, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has listed the Candidate of the Labour Party in the Enugu North Senatorial Election.

While appreciating the correction, the LP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, commended the Commission for correcting the earlier omission of the Party and its candidate from the list of contestants for the forthcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

It will be recalled that when the Commission initially published the list of political parties and candidates cleared to participate in the by-elections across the country, the Labour Party and its candidate were conspicuously absent from the Enugu North Senatorial District poll, despite the Party having duly complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements.

However, following engagements with the leadership of the Commission, the oversight has now been rectified, and the Labour Party and its candidate have been appropriately included in the election. The Party is therefore fully prepared to participate in the by-election and offer the people of Enugu North a credible and people-oriented representation in the remaining part of the 10th Senate.

Said Asogwa, consequently, and as stated in our previous communication on the matter, the Labour Party continues to express confidence in the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan and his commitment to fairness, justice, and due process. By ensuring that the right thing was done, the Commission has demonstrated responsiveness and reinforced public confidence in the electoral process.

“The Party also wishes to appreciate its teeming supporters, members, and well-wishers who showed concern and made enquiries regarding the status of the Party in the forthcoming poll. Your vigilance, commitment, and unwavering faith in the Party remain invaluable.

“As the campaigns enter their final phase, the Labour Party wishes its candidates in Enugu North, Nasarawa North, Rivers South-East, as well as all its candidates participating in the various by-elections across the country, success at the polls. We remain hopeful that the outcomes will not only be favourable to our Party but will also deepen Nigeria’s democratic culture and strengthen the people’s faith in the electoral process.”

Rotimi Amaechi Is Atiku’s Running Mate

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

 

By Ayodele Oni

 

Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has accepted to be the running mate to Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, in the upcoming 2027 Presidential Election.

 

This development was confirmed on Saturday by the immediate past Chairman of the ADC in Rivers State, Leader Sampson.

 

When asked directly whether Amaechi had accepted the nomination to serve as vice-presidential candidate, Sampson simply replied, “Yes,” according reports.

 

The pick follows the recent ADC presidential direct primary which involved over 2.5 million votes cast from the party’s 3.1 million registered members.

 

In that contest, Atiku emerged as the standard-bearer after securing a landslide victory with 1,855,787 votes. Amaechi polled 509,397 votes to place second while businessman, accomplished economist and banker,  Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, garnered 180,903 votes.

 

Prior to the primary election, Amaechi had publicly stated that he did not purchase the ADC presidential expression of interest and nomination forms with the intention of becoming a vice-presidential candidate.

 

Following the conclusion of the voting process, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen challenged the transparency of the exercise, alleging that the internal process had been manipulated in favour of Atiku.

 

However, a political breakthrough reportedly crystallized following a recent reconciliation visit by Atiku to Amaechi’s residence shortly after the primaries.

 

During the meeting at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Atiku allegedly appealed for party unity and explicitly urged Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to join him in building a formidable front to save Nigeria’s democracy, emphasizing that the primary was a collective effort rather than a battle of winners and losers. Nigeria market report

 

With Amaechi’s reported acceptance of the position, the ADC leadership is expected to make an official announcement to the public soon.

“The APC Is Glass House Built By Me, Other Like Minds,” Fmr Ekiti Gov. Fayemi On Rumoured Defection

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Kayode Fayemi

By Ayodele Oni

 

Former Ekiti State Governor and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has remarked that relationships across party lines are part of Nigeria’s political culture and should not be mistaken for realignment.

 

The former governor reaffirmed his commitment to the All Progressives Congress, (APC), describing defection rumours linking him to the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), as baseless and politically motivated.

 

Fayemi’s clarification followed the circulation of photographs showing him at a wedding ceremony in Kano alongside politicians from other parties.

 

In a stronger declaration of loyalty, Fayemi likened the APC to a “glass house” he helped construct with other party leaders.

 

“The APC is a glass house built by me and several other like minds. I will never throw a stone to break what we laboured to build,” he asserted, emphasizing ownership and responsibility.

 

He reminded political detractors that his history with the APC predates his tenure as governor.

 

As a founding member and strategist, Fayemi said his commitment to the party’s ideals of progressivism and internal democracy remains unchanged despite current political dynamics.

 

Fayemi also called for respect for his private life, arguing that public service should not erase personal freedom.

 

“Does Fayemi not deserve a social life? A former governor and Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, he has a wide circle of friends across the political spectrum,” the statement read.

 

The images were interpreted by some online commentators as a sign of a looming defection ahead of the Ekiti governorship election.

 

In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Fayemi questioned the logic behind the claims.

 

“Present where? If I’m going to do ADC, it’s in Kano that I will join,” he said, referencing his attendance at a wedding ceremony in Kano.

 

He insisted that his presence at the event had no political undertone.

 

Dismissing the speculation, Fayemi pointed out that the logic behind the claims was flawed.

 

“Present where? If I’m going to do ADC, it’s in Kano that I will join?” he stated, stressing that his attendance at the event was purely social and had no political implication.

 

“Why is it that Nigerians don’t think? Lukman Salihu’s son got married in Kano today and I was there with Tambuwal, Kole Shettima and others,” he explained.

 

The former governor also condemned what he termed the mischief of a “so-called youth leader” who posted the photographs.

 

“If some so-called youth leader that I don’t even know took photographs and displayed it, how is that my problem?” he asked, urging the public to verify facts before spreading unverified narratives.

 

With the Ekiti election drawing close, Fayemi said the timing of the rumour exposed its intent.

 

“Is it a week to election in Ekiti that I will join ADC? Rubbish talk,” he said, reiterating that his political base remains with the APC where he has invested years of service.

 

Drawing parallels with other Nigerian leaders, the statement added: “Just as the children of our leaders often marry across religious and political lines, Fayemi’s personal associations are his own. Friendship and politics are not the same.”

 

“Fayemi high caliber continues to make him a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape,” the statement concluded, adding that he remains committed to strengthening the APC rather than undermining it.”

Fubara Not Our Rivers State Governorship Candidate – NDC clarifies

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Blessing Fubara,
Blessing Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has rejected claims suggesting that Blessing Fubara, the elder sibling of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the state for the 2027 polls.

 

The rebuttal is coming against the backdrop of Fubara’s appearance on Arise News programme  Friday night, June 12, 2026, during which he created the impression of being the NDC Governorship candidate in Rivers state.

 

The leadership of the NDC is yet to officially make known the outcome of its Rivers State gubernatorial primaries which featured Fubara and Alabo Dumo Lulu Briggs as prominent contenders about penultimate week ago.

 

Both the Rivers State and National Leadership of the NDC have continued to maintain sealed lips on who actually is the party’s Governorship flag bearer not just in Rivers State but, also, in many other states, a development which has given rise to varying and conflicting claims among the aspirants.

 

Speaking during Friday’s Arise News interview, Fubara emphasized that his quest to preside over the affairs of Rivers state has no direct and remote connection with his younger brother, the Governor.

 

While insisting on both of them having, and coming from mutually diverse political backgrounds, and orientation, the elder Fubara maintained that he  neither believes in, nor has a political godfather, outside God.

 

“I don’t have a godfather. But I have God as the father. You would also agree with me that if  my ambition is determined by the grounds you are mentioning, it would mean I have no clear vision or focus for what I am working towards.

 

” My brother, Nigerians, and indeed the wider world have seen what happened between him ( Gov Fubara) and his party . We have different political ideologies, and individual perspectives.

 

“It is a trying moment for us in Rivers state and there are all sorts of narratives. They come with different narratives ,and try to set up a perspective for the people to run with . But we are focused, with our eyes on the ball that the soul of Rivers state must be rescued”, the elder Fubara stated.

 

His clarification is coming on the heels of widespread perception that his ambition enjoys the tacit support of Governor Fubara, whose well known political differences ,and disagreements with his estranged political godfather , the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has led to his conspicuous absence from the battlefield ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

However, in a short statement on his official site the NDC’s Director of New Media,and Strategic Communications ,Theo Abu Agada, insisted that Fubara is not the party’s Rivers state Governorship candidate.

 

“This person ( Fubara ) is not the candidate of our party in Rivers state . Thank you for your attention to this matter”, Agada wrote.

 

The NDC leadership amidst growing tension and anxiety among aspirants, has, however, assured that the party will soon unveil a comprehensive list of its candidates for the 2027 polls.

Jonathan Celebrates Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar At 84, Describes Him As A Patriot And Elder Statesman

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The Source
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Goodluck Jonathan and Abdulsalami Abubakar

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has congratulated former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, on the occasion of his 84th birthday, describing him as a remarkable patriot and elder statesman whose service and leadership have left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s history.

In a goodwill message to mark the milestone, Dr. Jonathan noted that General Abdulsalami’s life and career exemplify the rare virtue of leadership anchored not in the pursuit of power but in the nobility of service.

According to the former President, the former Head of State has, for over six decades, remained devoted to the service of Nigeria, leaving footprints of honour, humility, and sacrifice across different phases of the nation’s contemporary history.

“General Abdulsalami’s legacy is defined not merely by the offices he has held, but by the character he has consistently displayed. At defining moments in our national journey, he demonstrated courage, restraint, and an abiding faith in the Nigerian project,” Jonathan stated.

He further observed that the elder statesman’s stewardship during a critical period of national transition helped strengthen the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy and reinforced the principle that leadership is ultimately a trust held on behalf of the people.

The former President also commended General Abdulsalami’s enduring commitment to peace, dialogue, and national cohesion, noting that these qualities have earned him the respect of Nigerians from all walks of life and the admiration of the international community.

“At 84, General Abdulsalami continues to embody the values of moderation, patriotism, and statesmanship that our nation so greatly needs,” he said.

Dr. Jonathan expressed gratitude for the former Head of State’s immense contributions to Nigeria and humanity and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon his life.

“As we celebrate this milestone, I offer my heartfelt gratitude for his contributions to our country and humanity. I pray that Almighty God grants him continued good health, strength of spirit, and many more years of fulfillment, peace, and service,” he added.

Signed:

Ikechukwu Eze

S.A.to H., Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

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