RETIRED Major General Abubakar Rabe, who was abducted by bandits in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago while travelling with his wife to attend a wedding ceremony, has died in captivity.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Katsina State Government confirmed the former military officer’s death on Saturday, describing it as a monumental loss not only to his family and the state but also to the entire country.
Rabe and his wife were kidnapped around the Matazu area of Katsina State while on their way to a wedding. Since their abduction, security agencies and the state government had reportedly been working to secure their release.
Before news of his death emerged, the retired general was last seen in a viral video released by his captors in which they demanded the release of some detained bandits and the return of seized livestock as conditions for freeing the couple.
In the four-minute, two-second video circulated on social media, Rabe and his wife were seen standing and relaying the demands of their abductors.
Speaking in the video, the wife of the retired army general conveyed the kidnappers’ demand for the release of three of their members identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru.
According to her account, two of the detained individuals were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was arrested in Kano.
She also appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to facilitate compliance with the demands in order to secure their release.
The retired military officer, who spoke briefly in the footage, called for efforts to ensure peace, stating that the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
However, hopes for his release were dashed on Saturday when the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, announced that the retired general had died while in captivity.
In a statement, Mu’azu said the government received the development with a heavy heart and a deep sense of loss.
“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.”
According to the commissioner, the retired general died from health complications while being held by his abductors.
“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement added.
The government described the incident as a devastating loss to the nation.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.”
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, also extended his condolences to the family of the late officer and Nigerians at large.
According to the statement, the governor described the incident as a dark moment and a painful reminder of the need for a stronger and more coordinated response against criminal elements operating across communities.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at-large.
“The Governor has described this incident as a ‘dark moment’ and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.”
The government further prayed for the repose of the late general’s soul and comfort for his grieving family.
“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.”
As of the time of filing this report, uncertainty remained over the fate of the deceased’s wife, who was abducted alongside him.
The government is yet to clarify whether she has been released or remains in captivity.