The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits in the state two weeks ago.
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Abubakar was kidnapped alongside his wife around the Matazu area of Katsina State while travelling for a wedding.
The retired military officer was later seen in a video circulated on social media, where he and his wife relayed the demands of their captors. In the four-minute, two-second video, the abductors demanded the release of some detained bandits and seized livestock.
Speaking in the video, Abubakar’s wife said the bandits were demanding the release of three of their members identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru. According to her, two of the detained persons were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was arrested in Kano.
She appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to intervene and facilitate compliance with the demands in order to secure their release.
Abubakar, who also spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts to ensure peace, saying the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, confirmed that the retired general died while in captivity.
The government said Abubakar died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
“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,” the statement read.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in 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.”
The state government described his abduction and death as a loss not only to his family and Katsina State, but to the entire country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, according to the statement, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the nation, describing the incident as a “dark moment” and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified fight against criminal elements threatening communities.
The government further assured residents that it remains committed to working with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
“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,” the statement added.
It is, however, unclear whether the deceased’s wife has been released or remains in captivity.
The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir and asked God to comfort his bereaved family.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has issued a statement mourning the late senior officer and reaffirming its resolve to continue the fight to eradicate terrorism.
The statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, read, “The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) convey its deepest sympathies to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and all Nigerians.
“Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the AFN as Director Defence Information.
“He made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the AFN and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts.
“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN.
“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return.
“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens.
“In response to series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation.
“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorists activities across the nation are held to account.”
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