The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) has condemned in the strongest terms the abduction and gruesome murder of the former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), by terrorists operating in Katsina State.

The youths stated that the barbaric and heinous act is a painful reminder of the frightening level of insecurity that has enveloped the nation.

“It is heartbreaking and unacceptable that a man who dedicated the greater part of his life to defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria, and who rose to the prestigious rank of Major General in the Nigerian Army, could be abducted and murdered by criminals with such audacity”, they lamented.

In a statement by their President General, Good luck Ibem, they said the killing of Abubakar was not merely an attack on one individual or his family; but a “direct assault on the Nigerian state and a damning indictment of the deteriorating security situation across the country”.

They added, “If a retired Major General can be kidnapped and killed by terrorists, then it is clear that no Nigerian is safe. The ordinary farmer, trader, student, civil servant, traditional ruler, religious leader, and every other citizen are now left vulnerable to the menace of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent criminality.

“The security situation in Nigeria has reached a crescendo. Citizens now live in fear while criminals continue to operate with alarming boldness. Every day brings fresh reports of kidnappings, killings, attacks on communities, and destruction of livelihoods. This trend is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue”.

The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise to the occasion and demonstrate decisive leadership by ending the scourge of insecurity once and for all.

“Nigerians deserve to live in peace and security. The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, and the time has come for stronger, more proactive, and result-oriented measures to defeat terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and all enemies of the Nigerian state”, they stated.

They called for immediate review and strengthening of the nation’s security architecture, intensification of intelligence gathering, deployment of advanced security technologies, as well as ensure that all security agencies are adequately equipped and motivated to confront criminal elements wherever they may be hiding.

The group said the continued loss of innocent lives and the increasing boldness of terrorists represent a grave threat to national unity, economic development, and public confidence in government institutions.

CONYL extends its deepest condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Government and people of Katsina State, the entire nation, and the immediate family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar over the tragic and irreparable loss.