KEY POINTS

• Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar was buried in Katsina after dying while being held by bandits.
• He and his wife were abducted in May, and he reportedly died from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension.
• The military described his death as a tragic loss and said it remained silent during the abduction to avoid disrupting rescue efforts.

The remains of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in the custody of bandits, have been laid to rest in Katsina State amid an outpouring of grief from government officials, military personnel, family members and sympathisers.

The late senior military officer was buried according to Islamic rites at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery on Saturday evening after the bandits released his remains. The burial took place at about 6:45 p.m. and attracted a large crowd of mourners who gathered to pay their final respects.

Among those present at the funeral was Katsina State Deputy Governor Faruq Lawal-Jobe. Also in attendance were senior government officials, traditional rulers, military officers and security personnel, including the Commander of the 17 Brigade in Katsina.

The dignitaries joined family members and residents in honouring the late retired general, whose death has sparked renewed concern over the growing insecurity in the country.

Abduction Alongside Wife

Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina State.

During their captivity, a video that surfaced online on June 6 showed the retired general and his wife pleading with the Katsina State Government to secure their release. In the footage, they appealed for the release of detained bandits and their livestock in exchange for their freedom.

The video generated widespread concern and highlighted the increasing audacity of criminal groups operating in the region.

On Saturday, the Katsina State Government announced that the retired military officer had died while still in captivity.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, disclosed that the retired general died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.

According to the commissioner, the health challenges worsened during his time in captivity, leading to his death before efforts to secure his freedom could be concluded.

The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the development through the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba.

He described Abubakar’s death as a “tragic loss” to the military community and the nation.

The Defence Headquarters explained that it deliberately refrained from making public comments about the abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing, noting that public statements could have jeopardised attempts to secure the safe release of the retired officer and his wife.