Hayatu-Deen raises alarm over rising insecurity after General Abubakar’s death

By Taiwo Scholarstica

A former presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria following the death of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of kidnappers.

General Abubakar, a former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, was reportedly abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State and died after spending several weeks in captivity.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen described the late military officer as a distinguished patriot who served Nigeria with honour, commitment and professionalism throughout his career.

According to him, the tragic incident highlights the growing insecurity across the country and underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to protect lives and property.

Hayatu-Deen said his comments were not politically motivated but were made out of concern for the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians. He noted that many citizens remain in captivity, including schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oriire in Oyo State nearly a month ago.

He also referred to recent attacks in Kogi State, where bandits reportedly killed a vice principal, a 6 years old child and another resident during the period of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination. He further cited attacks in Borno and Kaduna states, including the abduction of more than 40 students in Askira-Uba and the killing of an officer and six soldiers in Kaduna.

The ADC chieftain said such incidents have become widespread across different parts of the country, calling for a comprehensive and coordinated response from government authorities.

While mourning General Abubakar, security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and other victims of terrorism and banditry, Hayatu-Deen stressed that condolences alone would not address the crisis.

He argued that insecurity is closely linked to economic hardship, noting that poverty, unemployment and rising living costs have contributed to the growth of criminal activities and recruitment into violent groups.

Hayatu-Deen urged Federal and State Governments to strengthen social welfare programmes, support struggling businesses, assist farmers affected by insecurity and expand economic support for vulnerable citizens.

He also welcomed the House of Representatives’ passage of a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police and called on the Senate to give the proposal speedy consideration.

In addition, he advocated stronger community policing, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced support for the military, and greater regional cooperation against terrorism.

He maintained that restoring peace and stability requires collective action by governments, security agencies and citizens, adding that national unity remains essential to overcoming the country’s security challenges.