The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, who was abducted by bandits exactly two weeks ago while travelling with his wife for a wedding ceremony in the Matazu area of the state.
The tragic development has sent shockwaves across Katsina State and the nation, bringing a sorrowful end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the retired senior military officer.
Major General Rabe and his wife were kidnapped by armed bandits while on a journey to attend a family wedding. Following their abduction, a video surfaced on social media showing the couple in captivity. In the four-minute, two-second footage, they appeared standing while relaying the demands of their captors.
In the video, Mrs. Rabe appealed to authorities to secure the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru, whom the bandits claimed were being held in custody. According to her, two of the individuals were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was apprehended in Kano State. She urged the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to intervene and meet the demands in order to facilitate their freedom.
Speaking briefly in the same video, the retired army general appealed for peace and understanding, stating that the abductors had expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue and coexist peacefully if their concerns were addressed.
However, hopes for his safe return were dashed on Saturday when the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, confirmed the retired general’s death in captivity.
In an official statement, Mu’azu disclosed that Major General Rabe died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors.
“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 commissioner described the late military officer’s death as a monumental loss not only to his immediate family and Katsina State but also to the entire nation, considering his years of service and sacrifice to Nigeria.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased and Nigerians at large. He described the incident as a dark moment and a painful reminder of the growing security challenges confronting communities across the country.
The governor called for a stronger and more coordinated effort by government authorities, security agencies, community leaders, and citizens to combat banditry and other criminal activities threatening peace and stability in the region.
As tributes continue to pour in for the late retired general, uncertainty remains over the fate of his wife, as authorities have yet to clarify whether she has been released or remains in captivity.
The death of Major General Abubakar Rabe has once again highlighted the worsening insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom and bandit attacks continue to claim lives and disrupt communities despite ongoing security operations.
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