The late senior military officer was buried at about 6:00 p.m. at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery, directly opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis, after funeral prayers attended by a large number of mourners.
The burial attracted prominent government officials, security chiefs, senior military officers, traditional leaders, political associates, relatives and well-wishers who came to honour the former army general and pay their last respects.
His death has continued to generate widespread reactions, with many Nigerians describing the tragedy as another painful reflection of the persistent insecurity confronting communities across northern Nigeria.
Several mourners who spoke after the burial said the circumstances surrounding the retired general’s death highlight the dangers faced daily by ordinary citizens despite ongoing efforts by authorities to curb criminal activities and restore peace.
According to them, the incident has further strengthened calls for decisive action against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes that have continued to claim lives and disrupt livelihoods across the region.
General Abubakar was travelling to his hometown when he and his wife were abducted along the Katsina–Matazu Road on May 30, 2026.
Providing details on the incident, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said in a statement on Saturday that the retired military officer died in captivity due to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
However, the explanation has been challenged by some groups, including the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG).
In a statement, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi of the CNG rejected claims that the retired general died a natural death, insisting that the circumstances leading to his death were directly linked to the prevailing security crisis.
“There is nothing natural about dying in the hands of bandits,” Charanchi said.
“A man abducted from his home or along the road and held captive by criminals did not die a natural death—he died because the state failed in its most sacred responsibility: protecting the lives and property of its citizens,” he stated.
He argued that the death of a retired Major General in captivity raises troubling questions about the security of ordinary Nigerians.
“When even a retired major general can be kidnapped and perish in captivity, what hope remains for ordinary Nigerians? This tragedy is a damning indictment of the worsening insecurity ravaging our nation. No amount of official wording can whitewash this painful reality,” he stated.
Charanchi further described the incident as evidence of what he called a serious breakdown in security and a failure by authorities to adequately protect citizens.
Despite his criticism, he offered prayers for the late officer, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
He also prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved family while urging leaders at all levels to confront the nation’s security challenges with sincerity and resolve.
“We pray that Allah blesses Nigeria with sincere, courageous and compassionate leaders who will confront insecurity with honesty, determination and unwavering commitment, so that no family will have to endure such a tragedy again,” he added.