A video showing Rabe Abubakar, a retired major-general and former director of defence information, and his wife has surfaced online, showing them appealing for the release of detained bandits and livestock.
The footage, which is now trending on social media, shows the wife of the retired army officer appealing to authorities in Katsina state and LGAs for intervention.
“We are appealing to the government at all levels, from the State Government to the Local Governments within this area. We appeal to His Excellency, Governor Dikko Radda, and the LGA Chairmen of Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Charanci, and Kusada — these five local government leaders — to please come to our aid,” she said in Hausa.
She noted that three individuals were arrested, while livestock belonging to them were also seized.
“Three of their children, Aminu, Sani, Nasiru, and others, were arrested, and their livestock cows and sheep were also seized. They are requesting the release of both the children and the animals,” she said.
“We plead with whoever is in a position of authority to help grant this request so that we, too, can be freed from this situation.”
According to her, two of the arrests were made in Jikamshi, while another took place in Kano state.
“Please, let us facilitate the release of these children and their seized animals. Once they are released, it will open the door for reconciliation, restoring peace so that residents can live without fear and farmers can cultivate their lands peacefully. This is our humble request to the governor and the five LGA chairmen,” she said.
She further claimed the abductors insisted they were playing a role in securing the area. “Additionally, these individuals play a vital role in protecting this area; they have informed us that they are actively securing the land,” she said.
Appealing for dialogue, she urged authorities to pursue reconciliation with the group.
“Since the primary duty of the government is to provide security for its citizens, we urge the authorities to cooperate, sit down with them, and find a lasting solution. Reconciliation is always the best path, as Allah says, ‘Al-Sulhu Khayran’. By doing this, everything will be resolved by God’s grace, and they will feel valued as citizens of the country,” she said.
Abubakar and his wife were abducted on May 30 in Katsina state while travelling through the region.
The defence headquarters had earlier said efforts were ongoing to secure their release and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
