Veteran journalist and media executive, Dare Babarinsa, has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country, questioning the effectiveness of various national identification systems in tracking and apprehending criminals.
Babarinsa’s reaction followed the reported abduction and killing of retired General Rabe Abubakar by suspected criminals in Katsina State.
In a statement posted on Sunday, the former Executive Director of TELL Magazine and current Chairman/Managing Director of Gaskiya Media Limited described the incident as a national tragedy and a national disgrace.
According to him, the murder of the retired army officer, who served the nation for nearly three decades, highlights the growing challenge of insecurity confronting 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.
He noted that while the deceased’s widow, who was reportedly held captive alongside him, was eventually released, the perpetrators remain 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 questioned the relevance of existing identification systems, including the Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identity Card, Voter’s Card and Driver’s Licence, if they are unable to aid security agencies in identifying and tracking criminal elements.
“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 media practitioner called on the Federal Government to pay closer attention to the security challenges in Katsina State and other parts of the country affected by criminal activities.
He warned that the country must not allow criminal elements to undermine public safety and create an atmosphere of fear among citizens.
“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.
