Breaking: Tinubu Reacts as Bandits Killed Army General

• President Bola Tinubu has mourned the killing of the retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar by terrorists, two weeks after being held in captivity
• The late general was abducted along with his wife around the Matazu area of Katsina state, while they were going to a wedding
• Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, disclosed the president's position in a statement on Saturday, June 13

Find it fast with our new search feature at Legit.ng!

President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief and shock over the killing of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar by terrorists, who had held him in custody in Katsina State.

The retired general was kidnapped with his wife around the Matazu area of Katsina, while on their way to a wedding. He was reportedly killed on Saturday, June 13.

Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, in a statement on Saturday, noted that General Abubakar had a distinguished career in the military and that he retired a few years ago. He recalled how he was kidnapped by the terrorists.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu commiserated with the family of the former general, particularly his wife, who is still in the captivity of the abductors. He then extended his condolences to the government of Katsina state and the armed forces.

From breaking news to viral moments. Follow Legit.ng on Instagram.

President Tinubu explained that though the terrorists have done their worst, while warning that his administration will not bow to their demands to release their members held in the custody of the security.

The statement reads in part:

“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation."

Nigerians react as Tinubu speaks on killed general

However, the statement, which was later shared on social media, has started generating reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:

Iyalla Tubonimi decried the situation:

"It has never been this bad!!! Nigerians, wake up!! This is a clarion call! We're losing all our generals!! We're in serious trouble, and some idiots are shouting renewed hopelessness!!! What a country. These are the same set of people attacking Jonathan back to back. Karma is strong."

Blez called for the president's resignation:

"I am sure when you read what you wrote, you knew that your principal, President Tinubu, has failed. Not only has he has failed but failed woefully. Let him resign, as he is not fit to be president."

Goddess said the president should take action:

"Tinubu is not in the seat to express shock. He is there to make decisive decisions as the Grand Commander in Chief. If he doesn't know his job, he should learn from President Donald J. Trump."

Ayo Okewole decried the insecurity in the country:

"The @HQNigerianArmy I grew up to know is never weak. It saddens me to see our gallant soldiers being killed like flies. Even if the soldiers have sworn to protect the citizens, don't forget that they are also human beings and have the right to life because they have families."

You can read the full statement on X here:

List of former generals killed by bandits

Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria has been faced with the challenges of insecurity for decades, with hundreds of lives lost and millions of properties destroyed.

Several serving military and other personnel of the country's security operatives have been killed, including retired generals.

The lingering insecurity has become a major topic of discussion in the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.