Senator David Mark, national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned the killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died in captivity after being kidnapped two weeks ago near the Matazu axis while en route to a wedding. The Katsina State Government confirmed Abubakar's death on Saturday, describing it as a tragic national loss. Mark, a retired Brigadier General and former Senate President, called the incident a devastating blow and a grim reflection of Nigeria's deteriorating security landscape.
In a statement issued Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said no Nigerian is safe amid rising terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. He questioned the security of ordinary citizens if a senior military officer with decades of service could be abducted and killed. Mark noted that insecurity has spread across the country over the past decade, disrupting lives, crippling businesses and turning schools, homes, highways and places of worship into vulnerable zones.
He urged a comprehensive review of national security strategies, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration and greater commitment from all stakeholders. Mark stressed that Nigeria's standing as a leading African nation is being undermined by the persistent failure to protect lives and property. He called on the government to treat the incident as a catalyst for urgent action, stating that the protection of lives and property is the foremost duty of any government.
Mark expressed condolences to Abubakar's family, the Nigerian Armed Forces and all who have lost loved ones to kidnapping and banditry. He said the tragedy must not become just another statistic but should galvanise efforts to reclaim national security.
David Mark criticises national security while referencing his own military rank, yet offers no explanation for how his political leadership has contributed to solutions. A former Senate President calling for urgent action has done so without detailing any legislative steps he supported during his tenure to address insecurity. If even retired generals are not safe, the average Nigerian in Katsina or other high-risk states has little reason to expect protection. The statement, while emotive, adds to a long line of condemnations that have not shifted policy or outcomes.
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