Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former military spokesperson who was kidnapped by bandits in Katsina State two weeks ago alongside his wife, has reportedly died in captivity.
The Katsina State Government announced his death in a statement issued on Saturday, saying he died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension.
The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu.
“The Katsina State Government, with a heavy heart and a deep sense of loss, wishes to inform the general public of the tragic passing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar,” the statement said.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the general’s death while in bandits’ captivity.
“Despite the relentless and coordinated efforts of the state government and various security agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in tragedy.
“The retired general died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the entire country.”
Read related news:
Bandits seek three suspects’ release to free Ex-General
Terrorists attack Borno military base, kill brigadier general
Nigerian Samson Adamu takes over as acting CAF Secretary General
The statement added that Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda had extended his condolences to the general’s family and Nigerians.
“The governor described the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the urgent need for a united and intensified effort against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities,” it said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar rest in eternal peace.”
Last week, New Daily Prime reported that the bandits holding the retired major general and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, had demanded the release of three suspected associates and the return of livestock allegedly seized from them as conditions for the couple’s freedom.
The demands were made in a video released by the abductors and circulated on social media exactly one week after the couple was kidnapped along the Karaduwa–Matazu Road in Katsina State.
In the three-minute, 58-second video obtained by New Daily Prime, the retired army officer and his wife were seen standing in captivity while explaining the conditions set by their abductors.
Speaking in the video, Hajiya Amina said the kidnappers were demanding the release of three people identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru.
According to her, two of the suspects were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was arrested in Kano State.
She also said the abductors were demanding the return of livestock allegedly confiscated from them.
Hajiya Amina appealed to the Katsina State Government and the leaders of five local government areas to help meet the demands and secure their release.
The retired major general, who spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts to restore peace. He said the gunmen had expressed a willingness to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
No monetary ransom demand was mentioned in the video. The abductors focused instead on the release of the three suspects and the return of the livestock.
At the time the earlier report was filed, neither the Katsina State Government nor the security agencies had issued an official statement about the video or the kidnappers’ demands.
Major General Abubakar was reportedly travelling to Katsina with his wife and their driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu, when their vehicle was attacked along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area.
The ambush occurred near Zakin Baure village, where armed men believed to be bandits reportedly emerged from hiding, blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to stop.
Sources familiar with the incident said the driver suffered a gunshot wound to his hand but was later released by the attackers.
Reports also indicated that a notorious bandit leader known as Kachallah Muhammad had contacted the victims’ relatives.
Sources said the bandit leader, who is believed to operate in parts of Katsina State, opened communication with the family days after the abduction.
The retired general’s reported death has heightened concerns about insecurity in Katsina State and renewed calls for stronger action against banditry.
The fate of his wife was not disclosed in the state government’s statement.
