Retired Nigerian Army officer, Rabe Abubakar, and his wife, Amina, have surfaced in a video released by their abductors days after they were kidnapped along the Matazu highway in Katsina State.
The couple was reportedly travelling from Abuja to Katsina for a wedding ceremony on May 30 when armed men attacked their vehicle near Zakin Baure village. Their driver was said to have escaped the attack despite suffering a gunshot injury to his hand.
In the footage, the retired military officer and his wife appeared in good condition as they appealed to government authorities and community leaders to help secure their freedom. They also relayed a message from a bandit commander identified as Kachalla Maha, who allegedly demanded the release of some of his associates in exchange for the couple’s release.
The video has generated fresh concern over the worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria and the continued activities of armed bandit groups across the region.
Many Nigerians reacting to the development expressed frustration, questioning how criminal gangs are still able to operate freely and make demands despite ongoing military and security operations.
