The recent death of Major-General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) while in kidnappers' custody has ignited outrage among human rights groups, who are now calling for the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the crime and other kidnap networks. The National Coalition Against Mass Killings, Extra-Judicial Killings, Mob Actions and Impunity (NCAMKI) expressed profound shock and sadness, describing the incident as a painful reminder of Nigeria's escalating security crisis.
National Loss and Growing Fear
According to NCAMKI, the death of General Rabe represents not just a personal loss but a national tragedy that compels every Nigerian to question their own safety. If a senior military officer can be abducted and die in captivity, who is truly safe? The group highlighted that farmers, traders, students, workers, women, children, and the elderly now live in constant fear, as the daily threat of kidnapping, violent crimes, and insecurity has become the nation's harsh reality.
In a statement, NCAMKI insisted that no Nigerian should have to live under the perpetual threat of abduction, violence, or impunity. The group emphasized that a nation where citizens cannot travel, farm, work, or sleep safely cannot achieve peace or sustainable development.
Demands for Action
NCAMKI called on security agencies to launch a professional, intelligence-driven operation to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for this crime and other kidnap networks. The group also urged federal and state governments to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, and the erosion of public trust. All suspects must face trial under constitutional and human rights standards, with justice being swift and fair.
The coalition further demanded a lawful investigation, justice, and institutional reforms. It called on the National Assembly, civil society, and citizens to deepen the debate on policing reforms, security, and accountability. According to NCAMKI, any reform must guarantee constitutional rights, civilian oversight, transparency, and accountability. The group insisted that "security without accountability breeds abuse, and accountability without security breeds vulnerability. Nigeria needs both."
NCAMKI added that Nigeria must not surrender to fear, normalize kidnapping, or accept impunity, asserting that "the time for decisive, lawful, accountable and people-centred action is now."
HURIWA's Stance
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) commended President Bola Tinubu for publicly rejecting the terrorists' demands and vowing never to release their detained accomplices. However, the group insisted that it is high time the federal government moved beyond declarations and launched an uncompromising national offensive against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
According to HURIWA, the gruesome killing of a retired Nigerian Army Major-General is not merely an attack on an individual but a direct assault on the authority, sovereignty, and integrity of the Nigerian State. The group noted that "if terrorists can abduct and kill a retired General with such audacity, then ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable to the daily reign of terror unleashed by these enemies of humanity."
In a statement, HURIWA's National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the murder of General Rabe was another painful reminder that terrorists do not seek peace, dialogue, or reconciliation. The group pointed out that barely hours after Nigerians received the shocking news of his death, reports emerged from Zamfara State that armed bandits invaded farmlands in Goron Namaye, Maradun Local Council, where they reportedly slaughtered 17 farmers and left 13 others injured.
Call for Legislative Action
HURIWA called on the National Assembly to immediately amend the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and designate terrorism, mass kidnapping, terrorism financing, insurgency, and acts of mass murder against civilians as capital offences punishable by death upon conviction. The group further demanded the establishment of special terrorism courts with accelerated hearing procedures and time-bound appeals to prevent convicted terrorists from exploiting endless legal delays while victims and their families continue to suffer.
According to HURIWA, the current unofficial moratorium on the implementation of death sentences should also be reviewed in the national interest. The group stated, "those who deliberately massacre innocent citizens, attack schools, abduct children, burn villages and wage war against the Nigerian people should face the maximum punishment provided by law after exhausting all constitutional judicial processes."
HURIWA emphasized that "Nigeria is effectively at war with forces determined to destroy lives, cripple economic activities and undermine national security. This war cannot be won through half-measures, symbolic rhetoric or periodic condemnations after each massacre."
PASNAFOSA Mourns
The Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (#PASNAFOSA) also mourned the death of Major-General Abubakar Rabe. In a statement by its convener, MaryAbayomi-Fatile, the group condemned the circumstances that led to the death of the military officer who devoted the greater part of his life to the service, defence, and protection of Nigeria and its people. The group described it as both painful and disturbing that he should become a victim of the same criminal elements threatening the peace and stability of the country.
