Accord Party presidential candidate and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the reported attack on human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and other protesters during a Democracy Day demonstration, describing it as a troubling sign for Nigeria’s democratic future.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Hashim said the right to peaceful protest, free expression, and civic participation are fundamental elements of democracy and must not be undermined.

He warned that democracy cannot survive where citizens are intimidated for demanding accountability or expressing concerns about governance.

According to him, Democracy Day should not only mark the return to civilian rule but also serve as a reminder of the responsibility to protect democratic values, including freedom of Expression justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

“Democracy is strengthened when citizens can freely speak, organise, and demand accountability from those entrusted with power. Any attempt to suppress these freedoms weakens democracy itself,” Hashim said.

The Presidential candidate, who recently became co-chair of MDR alongside NLC President Comrade Joe Ajero said the movement was established to defend Nigeria’s democratic space and prevent any drift towards authoritarianism.

He also condemned what he described as the continued harassment of Sowore, including the seizure of his passport, which he said remains unresolved despite legal interventions.

Hashim said MDR would continue to mobilise democratic forces, civil society, labour, and citizens committed to protecting democratic institutions and expanding civic freedoms.

“Nigeria must not return to an era where dissent is treated as a crime and citizens are denied their democratic rights. The defence of democracy is the responsibility of all who believe in freedom and accountable leadership,” he said.

He urged security agencies and relevant authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights while ensuring public order.

Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command said it has foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine abducted passengers following a swift tactical operation along the Katsina-Kankara highway.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, detailing how police operatives engaged suspected armed bandits in a fierce gun duel and forced them to abandon their captives.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on Friday, June 12, 2026, at about 2:30 PM when a group of armed bandits barricaded the Katsina-Kankara Road at Tashar Kanya Village in Kankara Local Government Area.

The gunmen reportedly intercepted a red commercial Volkswagen Golf III saloon car with registration number KMC 400 MK, driven by 40-year-old Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.” The vehicle was conveying 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when the attackers forcefully abducted all occupants.

Upon receiving a distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kankara said he swiftly mobilised a combined team of operatives, including personnel from the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), and stormed the area.

“The police team confronted the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical strategy of the operatives, the bandits were forced to flee into the bush, abandoning several of their victims.

“During a search of the surrounding area, the police rescued nine victims unharmed.”

The rescued victims were identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, 28; Rakkiya Ya’u, 30; Shamsiya Ahmad Mahamud, 18; Jumai Majarazu, 20; Salamatu Adamu, 30; Yusuf Halliru, 17; Harira Hamisu, 25; Umma Kabir, 17; and three-year-old Nusaiba Maharazu.

However, two victims — Buhari Kabir and the driver, Aliyu “Maitakabari” — remain unaccounted for, according to the statement.

The police said an intensive search-and-rescue operation is ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Commending the bravery and professionalism displayed by the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, Ali Fage, praised the officers for their gallantry and dedication to duty.

He reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering determination to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality across the state, urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

The Katsina State Government has confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in the custody of bandits, describing the incident as a tragic loss to the state and the nation.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, and made available to journalists.

The government said the retired military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.

According to the statement, several efforts were made by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, but the attempts were unsuccessfComrade Hassan Taiwo.


The statement read, “The Katsina State Government, with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, wishes to inform the general public of the tragic passing of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in the bandits’ captivity. Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy.

“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.”

According to the statement, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the incident as a “dark moment,” adding that it underscored the urgent need for a stronger and more coordinated response to insecurity.

He extended condolences to the family of the late General and assured that the government remains committed to working with security agencies to combat banditry in the state.

“The Katsina State Government remains committed to working with the Federal Government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace”, the statement added.

Recall that the abductors of Rabe and his wife demanded the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations as conditions for the couple’s freedom.

Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 while travelling through Katsina State.