Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe who was abducted in Katsina State two weeks ago, has died in captivity.
Rabe was kidnapped alongside his wife in the Matazu area of Katsina while travelling to attend a wedding.
The retired general was last seen in a video circulated on social media, where his captors demanded the release of some detained bandits and seized livestock.
In the four-minute, two-second footage, the couple appeared standing as they relayed 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 individuals identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru.
According to her, two of the detained persons were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was apprehended in Kano.
She also appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to facilitate compliance with the demands to secure their release.
The retired general, who spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts to ensure peace, noting that the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Katsina State, Nasiru Mu’azu, confirmed the general’s death.
“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.”
“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 deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.
“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.
“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.”
It remains unclear whether the general’s wife has been released or is still in captivity.