By Joy Yesufu
Kidnappers of a retired spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd.), and his wife have demanded the release of their associates arrested by the military as part of the condition for the release of the general and his wife.
In a four-minute video, which circulated online on Saturday, the couple relayed demands allegedly made by their captors and appealed to relevant authorities to take steps that could facilitate their freedom.
Rabe and his wife appealed for intervention to secure their release after the video showing the couple in captivity surfaced on social media.
The retired military officer and his wife were reportedly abducted about a week ago along the Karaduwa–Matazu Road in Katsina State.
Speaking in the video, Rabe’s wife said the kidnappers were demanding the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, whom they claimed had been arrested by security agencies.
According to her, two of the individuals were arrested in Jikamshi, Katsina State, while the third was apprehended in Kano State.
She further stated that the abductors were demanding the return of livestock allegedly seized from them.
The woman appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas in the state to assist in addressing the demands with a view to securing their release.
Rabe, who spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts aimed at promoting peace and resolving the situation through dialogue.
The retired general said the abductors had expressed a willingness to engage in discussions and pursue peaceful coexistence.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Katsina State Government or security agencies regarding the demands conveyed in the video.
