A retired Nigerian Army officer and former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), and his wife have appeared in a new video released by their abductors, appealing to authorities to release individuals allegedly detained by security agencies.
In the video circulating online, the couple's captors reportedly demanded the release of three individuals identified as Aminu, Sani and Nasiru, whom they described as their children. The abductors also called for the return of livestock they claimed had been confiscated.
Speaking in Hausa, Mrs. Abubakar appealed to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, traditional rulers and local government officials across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Kurfi and Dutsin-Ma local government areas to intervene.
She said the abductors wanted their concerns conveyed directly to government authorities and community leaders.
According to her, the captors alleged that Aminu, Sani and Nasiru, along with several others, had been arrested by security agencies. She also claimed that the abductors were seeking the return of cattle and sheep allegedly seized from them, including about 300 cows.
Mrs. Abubakar stated that two of the detained individuals were reportedly arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was arrested in Kano State. She urged those in positions of authority to facilitate their release and address the grievances raised by the abductors.
The video serves as the latest proof of life since Major General Abubakar and his wife were kidnapped by armed men along the Matazu axis of Katsina State.
Earlier reports indicated that the couple was abducted while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area. In a previous video released after the incident, they appeared in a forested location surrounded by armed men and were seen speaking while in captivity.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the demands made in the latest video.
