A retired military officer, Major General Abubakar Rabe, and his wife, who were kidnapped in Katsina State a week ago, have appealed to authorities to secure their freedom after a video showing them in captivity surfaced online.
The four-minute video, which has been widely shared on social media, showed the couple standing while conveying the demands of the bandits who abducted them.
Speaking in the footage, the wife of the retired general relayed the kidnappers’ conditions for their release. According to her, the abductors are demanding the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock allegedly confiscated from them.
She explained that two of the individuals were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was apprehended in Kano.
The woman also appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to assist in meeting the demands of the abductors to facilitate the release of the victims.
Major General Rabe, who spoke briefly in the video, appeared for genuine efforts aimed at restoring peace.
He said the abductors had indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue and pursue peaceful coexistence.
No ransom demand was mentioned at any point in the video.
As of the time of this report, the Katsina State Government and security agencies had yet to issue any official response regarding the footage.
The retired army officer was abducted alongside his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, and their driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu, while travelling to Katsina last Saturday.
The incident occurred along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area, near Zakin Baure village. Witnesses said armed men suspected to be bandits emerged from hiding, blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to stop.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the driver sustained a gunshot injury to the hand during the attack but was later spared by the assailants.
Meanwhile, sources said a notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, has established contact with the family of the retired general.
According to the sources, the bandit kingpin, who is said to operate in parts of Katsina State, opened communication with relatives of the victims on Monday morning.
(DAILY TRUST)
