NEWS
“It Is a National Tragedy and a National Disgrace“ — Veteran journalist, Dare Babarinsa Laments Killing of Retired General, Questions Nigeria’s Security Framework
…says What Is Purpose Of BVN, NIN If Criminals Operate Freely?
Veteran journalist, media executive, and Chairman/Managing Director of Gaskiya Media Limited, Dare Babarinsa, has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation following the reported abduction and killing of retired General Rabe Abubakar by suspected criminals in Katsina State.
Babarinsa, a respected voice in Nigeria’s media landscape and former Executive Director of TELL Magazine, described the incident as both a national tragedy and a national disgrace, lamenting what he sees as the growing inability of the country’s security architecture to protect citizens, including those who once dedicated their lives to defending the nation.
Reacting in a statement posted on Sunday, the veteran journalist expressed shock and sadness over the fate of the retired military officer, noting that General Abubakar’s death underscores the alarming level of insecurity confronting many communities across the country.
“General Abubakar Rabe, who retired from the Nigerian Army after almost three decades in the service of our beloved nation, was captured and murdered by criminals. He was not killed in battle, but by evil cowards,“ Babarinsa stated.
The media executive said the circumstances surrounding the retired general’s death paint a disturbing picture of the security challenges facing Nigeria, where even distinguished former military personnel are not spared from the activities of criminal elements.
He further revealed that while the deceased’s widow, who was reportedly held captive alongside her husband, eventually regained her freedom, the perpetrators responsible for the crime remain unidentified and at large.
“The criminals mercifully released his corpse and freed his grieving widow, who was in captivity with him. Yet these criminals are still walking on this land as invisible spectres,“ he said.
Babarinsa used the tragic incident to question the effectiveness of Nigeria’s multiple identification systems, including the Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identity Card, Voter’s Card, and Driver’s Licence, arguing that their existence should make it easier for authorities to track and apprehend criminals operating within the country.
According to him, the continued freedom enjoyed by criminal elements despite the widespread implementation of these identification mechanisms raises important questions about their practical value in strengthening national security and aiding law enforcement operations.
““We need to know that all these are happening in a land where we have driver’s licence, voter’s card, BVN and national identity cards. What is the purpose of all these if criminals are still so free to operate?“ he queried.
The veteran journalist called on the Federal Government to urgently intensify efforts toward addressing the worsening security situation in Katsina State and other parts of Nigeria affected by banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
He warned that allowing criminal networks to flourish unchecked could further erode public confidence in government institutions and deepen the climate of fear already experienced by many citizens across the country.
Babarinsa stressed that decisive action is needed to halt the activities of criminal groups and restore public safety, insisting that Nigeria must not surrender its communities to fear and lawlessness.
“The Federal Government should take keen interest in the macabre drama unfolding in Katsina State.
“It is a national tragedy and a national disgrace. We must not allow criminals to turn our country into the Land of Fear“ Babarinsa added.
His comments come amid growing national concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country, with citizens, stakeholders, and security experts repeatedly calling for stronger measures to combat kidnapping, banditry, and violent crimes threatening lives and livelihoods.