NIGERIA: A retired Nigerian Army officer, Major General Abubakar Rabe, has died while being held by kidnappers, two weeks after he and his wife were abducted in Katsina State.
The late general and his wife were reportedly kidnapped near the Matazu area of the state while travelling to attend a wedding ceremony, sparking concern among family members, security agencies, and the wider public.
The Katsina State Government announced the death of the retired military officer while in the custody of bandits, describing the development as a tragic loss to the state and the nation.
Government Statement
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, the government said the retired officer died in captivity despite efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his freedom.
According to the statement, the late general died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
The government expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting that his abduction and eventual death represent a significant loss not only to his immediate family and Katsina State but also to Nigeria as a whole.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the nation, describing the incident as a dark moment and a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing communities across the country.
The statement further noted that the governor said the tragedy underscored the need for greater collaboration and intensified efforts in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality threatening peace and stability. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction and death of the retired general are brought to justice.
The governor also assured residents that the government remains resolute in its determination to combat banditry and guarantee the safety of lives and property across the state.
“The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the collective effort to restore lasting peace in Katsina State,” the statement said.
Before news of his death emerged, a video circulated on social media showing the retired officer and his wife in captivity. In the footage, the couple relayed demands allegedly made by their abductors for their release.
According to the video, the kidnappers demanded the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru. Rabe’s wife claimed that two of the men had been arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was detained in Kano State.
Appealing for intervention, she called on the Katsina State Government and local government authorities to help secure their freedom.
Speaking briefly in the video, General Rabe urged dialogue and peaceful engagement, stating that the kidnappers had indicated a willingness to embrace peace.
Confirming the retired officer’s death on Saturday, Commissioner Mu’azu said Rabe died in captivity after suffering health complications related to diabetes and hypertension.
Mu’azu described the development as a tragic loss despite ongoing efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure the general’s release.
“The death of Major General Abubakar Rabe is a significant loss, not only to his family and Katsina State but to the entire nation,” the commissioner said.
He added that Governor Radda had extended his condolences to the bereaved family and described the incident as a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen efforts against criminal groups operating in the region.
According to the commissioner, the state government remains committed to combating insecurity and protecting residents from kidnappings and other violent crimes.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation on whether the late general’s wife had been released or was still being held by the abductors.
