Terrorists Release Video Of Abducted Ex-Army General, Wife In Captivity, Make Demands
The abductors of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, and his wife released a video on Saturday showing the couple in captivity.
The couple were recently abducted along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, near Zakin Baure village.
In the four-minute video circulated on social media, the wife of the retired general was seen conveying the abductors’ demands.
Speaking in Hausa, she said the captors insisted that their grievances be conveyed to government authorities and community leaders.
“We have come to present our complaint and our grievances to the government—from the state government down to the local government authorities responsible for this area,” she said.
“We appeal to the state government, especially Governor Dikko Radda, and the district heads and traditional rulers of Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Kurfi and Dutsin-Ma. We are pleading with all five local government chairmen to help us, help us, help us, for God's sake, because these people have genuine grievances.”
She further stated that the abductors were demanding the release of three arrested persons identified as Aminu, Sani and Nasiru, alongside the return of livestock allegedly seized from them.
“Three of their children have been arrested: Aminu, Sani and Nasiru, along with some others. They are appealing for their release, as well as the return of their property.
“Their cattle and sheep were also seized. Three hundred cows were taken from them. We are openly appealing and begging, for God's sake, that anyone who has a role in this matter, anyone with the authority to act, and whom God has entrusted with leadership in Katsina State, should please assist us and intervene in this matter so that these people may regain their freedom.
“Apart from God, these three young men need help. Two of them were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was arrested separately in Kano State.
“Therefore, we hope that the leaders concerned with this matter will assist them by securing the release of these young men and returning the livestock that was confiscated from them. They are earnestly appealing for help and intervention,” she added.
The retired general, who spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts to ensure peace, adding that the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and peaceful co-existence.
It was reported that notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, who operates in parts of Katsina State, had reportedly established communication with the family of the retired general.