The Katsina State Government has announced that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits alongside his wife two weeks ago, has died while in captivity.
According to the state government, the General died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension — not from gunshot wounds or violence by his captors.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Katsina.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension while in the bandits’ den,” Mu’azu said.
He explained that the government received the sad news from intelligence sources monitoring the situation, adding that efforts were already underway to recover the General’s remains.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a “dark moment” for the state and the military community.
The Governor further extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, and the people of Katsina State, while reiterating his administration’s commitment to tackling banditry and securing the release of others still in captivity.
General Rabe and his wife were kidnapped on May 30, 2026, while travelling along the Zakin Baure village road in Matazu Local Government Area. They were reportedly heading to a wedding ceremony before they were ambushed by bandits.
Days before his death, a viral video showed the distressed General pleading with the government and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and meet the bandits’ demands for his release.
As of the time of filing this report, the fate of the General’s wife remains unknown, and security agencies have yet to confirm whether she is still in captivity or has been released.
Details later…
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