Abducted Ex-Army Spokesperson, Wife Urge Dialogue as Captors Demand Release of Detainees and Seized Livestock

A video featuring retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife has surfaced online, showing the couple appealing to authorities to consider dialogue after their captors demanded the release of detained individuals and seized livestock.

The footage, which has been circulating on social media, shows Abubakar's wife calling on the Katsina State Government and local government authorities to intervene to secure their release.

"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 chairmen of Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Charanci and Kusada local government areas to please come to our aid," she said in Hausa.

According to her, the abductors are demanding the release of certain individuals who were arrested, as well as livestock allegedly seized from them.

"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."

She further claimed that two of the arrests were made in Jikamshi, while another suspect was arrested in Kano State.

Appealing for a peaceful resolution, she urged authorities to explore dialogue with the group.

"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," she said.

Abubakar's wife also stated that the abductors claimed they were contributing to security efforts in 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.

She urged the government to prioritise reconciliation in resolving the situation.

"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 added.

Major General Abubakar and his wife were abducted on May 30 in Katsina State while travelling through the region.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier stated that efforts were ongoing to secure their release and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The demands and claims contained in the video have not been independently verified by authorities.