WHAT IS “NATURAL” ABOUT DYING IN TERRORIST CAPTIVITY?
By Francis Nwapa
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the outrageous and irresponsible attempt by the Katsina State Government to water down the circumstances surrounding the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar by claiming that he died a “natural death” from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in the captivity of terrorists.
This must rank as one of the most insensitive and disgraceful statements ever issued by a government regarding a citizen who died in the custody of terrorists.
What exactly is “natural” about a Nigerian citizen, a retired military general no less, being abducted and held by terrorists for weeks without being rescued? What is natural about dying in captivity while armed criminals roam freely across the country? What is natural about a state that cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens and then seeks refuge in medical explanations after those citizens perish in the hands of kidnappers?
The issue is not whether General Rabe Abubakar suffered from diabetes or hypertension. The issue is that he was kidnapped by terrorists, held against his will, and died in captivity while the Nigerian state failed to secure his freedom. That is not a natural death; it is a tragic consequence of the collapse of security and the failure of government.
Even more shocking is that on the same day the death of the General was announced, Governor Dikko Umar Radda was appealing to terrorists whom he described as “our brothers and sisters” to lay down their arms and return to their families, while simultaneously promoting plans for dialogue, repentance and reintegration.
What kind of government responds to the death of a military general in terrorist captivity by extending olive branches to the very forces terrorizing its citizens?
The contrast is disturbing. While ordinary citizens, soldiers, teachers, farmers and students are being abducted and murdered, the government appears more interested in rehabilitating terrorists than delivering justice for victims.
This only strengthens the growing suspicion among many Nigerians that powerful interests within the political establishment are either protecting, appeasing or indirectly enabling those responsible for these atrocities. A government that repeatedly treats terrorists with kid gloves while acting with firmness against peaceful protesters raises legitimate questions about its priorities.
THE HYPOCRISY IS GLARING
This is the same Katsina State Government that arrested and prosecuted #EndBadGovernance protesters, keeping many of them behind bars for weeks for exercising their democratic rights. Yet terrorists who abduct, kill and destroy communities are referred to as “our brothers and sisters” and invited into dialogue and reintegration programmes.
Peaceful protesters demanding a better society are treated as enemies, while armed criminals are treated as estranged family members.
Nothing better illustrates the upside-down priorities of the Nigerian ruling class.
I also condemn the statement attributed to the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, suggesting that global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, are hampering Nigeria’s ability to acquire weapons.
Such excuses are shameful.
Nigerians are entitled to ask: if the security forces do not have enough weapons, how do terrorists consistently obtain sophisticated arms and ammunition? If there are insufficient weapons to defend villages and communities, why is there always enough firepower available whenever citizens organize protests against bad governance?
The inability of the state to defeat terrorism after years of promises cannot continue to be blamed on external developments while citizens continue to die.
The family of General Rabe Abubakar deserves justice, not excuses.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. I also demand the immediate rescue of his wife and all other Nigerians currently held captive by terrorists. Every effort must be deployed to secure their release unharmed.
Furthermore, those responsible for the abduction and death of the General must be apprehended and prosecuted.
The time has come for a comprehensive purge of all individuals within political institutions, security agencies and state structures who are found to be aiding, protecting or collaborating with terrorist networks.
Nigeria cannot defeat insecurity while those who sponsor, facilitate or profit from violence remain untouchable.
The daily slaughter of Nigerians has gone on for far too long. The people must refuse to accept a situation where governments issue condolences after every tragedy while failing to prevent the next one.
Nigerians must unite across ethnic, religious and regional lines to demand accountability, security and justice. The lives of ordinary people must matter more than political calculations.
Enough of the excuses.
Hold terrorists and their collaborators accountable.
Francis Nwapa
Socialist Activist and Human Rights Advocate