By Emmanuel Nduka
The family of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd) has challenged the Katsina State Government’s claim that the retired military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity, insisting he had no history of either illness.
One of the deceased’s sons, Isyaka Rabe, said reports linking his father’s death to diabetes were false, adding that the family remained unconvinced by the government’s explanation of the circumstances surrounding his death.
Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), Isyaka stated that his father neither suffered from diabetes nor high blood pressure before his abduction by bandits in Katsina State.
The son further disclosed that contrary to widespread reports, the family was not informed of how the late general’s body was recovered, maintaining that questions about the recovery should be directed to government authorities.
According to him, speculation persists that the retired army officer may have died from a snake bite while being held captive, following details that emerged from the last video released by his abductors.
He, however, acknowledged that the true cause of death remains known only to God.
While praying for the repose of his father’s soul, Isyaka described the late general as a deeply religious, peace-loving man who lived a simple life and died a hero.
Addressing questions surrounding the recovery of the retired officer’s remains, he said: “When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered. I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government.”
Sources familiar with the incident told journalists that contrary to reports suggesting the deceased’s remains were handed over directly to the Katsina State Government by the kidnappers, the body was allegedly abandoned in a village by the abductors before security operatives were alerted. Troops were subsequently said to have recovered the remains and transported them to Katsina for burial.
Isyaka also dismissed social media reports claiming that his mother, who was kidnapped alongside the late general, had regained freedom.
He said: “Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released.”
Adding to the family’s position, one of General Rabe’s daughters, Adda Abubakar, had earlier taken to her X handle, @Addahaleem, to refute claims that her father suffered from diabetes.
She maintained that a snake bite was responsible for his death while in captivity.
Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd) and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The retired military officer later died while in the custody of his abductors.
The Katsina State Government had announced that the former general died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension. However, members of his family and other sources have continued to dispute that account, insisting that he died after suffering a snake bite while being held by his kidnappers.
The development has further fueled public debate over the circumstances surrounding the retired officer’s death and the security challenges confronting communities in parts of Katsina State.
