‘Gen Rabe’s killing shows terrorists understand only force’

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the National Assembly to amend the country’s anti-terrorism laws to make terrorism and related offences punishable by death, following the death of retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe in captivity.

The rights advocacy group said the killing of the retired military officer by terrorists who allegedly demanded the release of their associates in government custody demonstrates the growing threat posed by insurgents and criminal gangs across the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA commended President Bola Tinubu for rejecting the terrorists’ demands but insisted that stronger measures were needed to tackle insecurity.

“The time has come for the Federal Government to move beyond declarations and launch an uncompromising national offensive against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping,” the group said.

Describing the manner of death of the retired General as a direct attack on the Nigerian state, HURIWA argued that the incident underscored the vulnerability of ordinary citizens in the face of persistent terrorist attacks.

“The killing of a retired Major-General of the Nigerian Army is not merely an attack on an individual. It is a direct assault on the authority, sovereignty and integrity of the Nigerian State,” the statement said.

According to the organisation, the murder of General Rabe demonstrates that terrorists are not interested in negotiations or reconciliation.

“Terrorists do not seek peace, dialogue or reconciliation. They seek fear. They seek bloodshed. They seek to undermine the authority of the Nigerian State,” HURIWA stated.

The group also referenced reports of a deadly attack in Zamfara State, where armed bandits reportedly killed 17 farmers in Goron Namaye, Maradun Local Government Area, and injured several others.

It said the incidents reflect a wider pattern of violence that has continued to claim lives and displace communities across the country.

“These killings are not isolated incidents. They are part of a relentless campaign of mass murder that has consumed thousands of innocent lives across Nigeria,” the statement added.

HURIWA blamed what it described as weaknesses in law enforcement and delays within the criminal justice system for emboldening terrorists and bandits.

Consequently, the group urged lawmakers to amend the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to classify terrorism, mass kidnapping, terrorist financing, insurgency and mass murder of civilians as capital offences.

“HURIWA therefore calls on the National Assembly to immediately amend the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and designate terrorism, mass kidnapping, terrorist financing, insurgency and acts of mass murder against civilians as capital offences punishable by death upon conviction,” it said.

The organisation further advocated the establishment of special terrorism courts with accelerated hearing procedures and time-bound appeals to ensure swift prosecution of terrorism-related cases.

It also called on the Federal Government to intensify military operations against terrorists and bandits nationwide, insisting that the country must adopt more decisive measures to stem the tide of violence.

“The death of Major-General Abubakar Rabe and the massacre of 17 farmers in Zamfara must mark a turning point in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy,” HURIWA stated.

The group warned that unless urgent and decisive action is taken, more communities could come under attack, leading to further loss of lives and displacement across the country.