Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, who was abducted by bandits in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago while travelling with his wife to attend a wedding ceremony, has died in captivity.
The Katsina State Government confirmed the former military officer’s death on Saturday, describing it as a monumental loss not only to his family and the state but also to the nation.
Rabe and his wife were kidnapped around the Matazu area of Katsina State while en route to a wedding. Since their abduction, security agencies and the state government had reportedly intensified efforts to secure their release.
Before news of his death emerged, the retired general was last seen in a viral video released by his captors, who demanded the release of some detained bandits and the return of seized livestock as conditions for freeing the couple.
In the four-minute, two-second video that circulated widely on social media, Rabe and his wife were seen standing while conveying the demands of their abductors.
Speaking in the footage, the retired general’s wife appealed to the authorities to release three detained bandits identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru. According to her, two of the suspects were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was apprehended in Kano State.
She also appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to facilitate compliance with the kidnappers’ demands in order to secure their freedom.
The retired military officer, who spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts to promote peace, noting that the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
However, hopes for his release were shattered on Saturday when the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, announced that the retired general had died while in captivity.
In a statement, Mu’azu said the government received the development with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss.
“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 statement read.
“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.”
According to the commissioner, the retired general died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement added.
The government described the incident as a devastating loss to the country.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.”
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, also extended his condolences to the family of the late officer and Nigerians at large.
According to the statement, the governor described the tragedy as a dark moment and a painful reminder of the urgent need for a stronger and more coordinated response to criminal activities across communities.
“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.”
The government also prayed for the repose of the late general’s soul and for strength and comfort for his grieving family.
“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.”
As of the time of filing this report, uncertainty remained over the fate of the deceased’s wife, who was abducted alongside him.
The state government has yet to clarify whether she has been released or remains in captivity.
