Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd), who was abducted in Katsina State two weeks ago, has died while in the custody of bandits.
The retired army officer and his wife were seized near Matazu, Katsina, whilst travelling to a wedding.
In a video that circulated on social media, the couple were seen standing as they relayed their captors’ demands. The four-minute clip showed the general’s wife appealing for the release of three detained bandits – Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru – two of whom she said were arrested in Jikamshi and the third in Kano.
The general, speaking briefly, said the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and called for efforts to ensure peace.
However, on Saturday, Nasiru Mu’azu, Katsina State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, announced the general’s death, attributing it to complications 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 commissioner said. “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.”
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the incident as a “dark moment” and called for a collective front against criminal elements.
As of this report, it remains unclear whether the general’s wife has been released or is still in captivity.