How Heavily Armed Terrorists Handed Over Late Gen. Rabe Abubakar’s Corpse to Katsina Govt and Returned to the Forest Unchallenged
The family of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has called on the Katsina State Government to explain how the former military officer’s body was recovered from armed bandits while his wife remains in captivity.
Speaking in an interview with DW Hausa, the deceased general’s son, Ishaka Rabe Abubakar, said the family has no knowledge of the circumstances under which his father’s corpse was returned and believes the government is best positioned to provide answers.
Major General Abubakar and his wife, Amina, were abducted on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Katsina State. The couple was reportedly attacked by armed bandits near Zakin Baure village in Matazu Local Government Area, while their driver sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.
The retired military officer later died while in captivity, triggering widespread reactions and conflicting reports regarding both the cause of his death and the recovery of his remains.
Addressing questions about how his father’s body was brought back, Ishaka said the family could not explain the development.
“Many people saw the announcement that the funeral prayer would be held at six o’clock and began asking how the corpse was recovered. I told them I could not answer that question. The government should be asked because even I would like to know how the body was brought back,” he said.
Introducing himself during the interview, Ishaka described his father as a humble, religious and peace-loving man who maintained cordial relationships with people throughout his life.
“My name is Ishaka Rabe Abubakar. I am the son of General Rabe Abubakar who was kidnapped and later answered Allah’s call,” he said.
He added that the family had accepted the retired general’s death as the will of God and believes he died as a martyr.
“Alhamdulillah, we have faith in Allah. We believe he died as a martyr and pray that Allah grants him mercy and eternal reward,” Ishaka stated.
Son Rejects Diabetes Claim
Ishaka also challenged reports that diabetes caused his father’s death.
According to him, available signs suggested the retired general may have suffered a snakebite while in captivity.
“The truth is that it was not diabetes that caused this illness. In our view, it was more likely a snakebite because that could explain the marks and condition seen on his leg,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged that only God knows the full details of what transpired before his father’s death.
‘My Mother Is Still in Captivity’
The late general’s son further dismissed reports claiming that his mother had regained her freedom.
“As of now, anyone who says she has been released is lying. I, Ishaka Rabe, son of General Rabe Abubakar, am saying clearly that she has not been released. She is still in their custody,” he declared.
Message to Katsina Government
Commenting on the role of government, Ishaka said the family was not directly accusing Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of involvement in the tragedy but stressed that leadership carries responsibility for the welfare and security of citizens.
“We are not saying that the governor personally caused what happened. However, he is the governor, and leadership comes with responsibility for the people,” he said.
He added: “My direct message to the governor is: May Allah continue to guide and protect him. As for us, we are still waiting for our mother.”
Government’s Position
The Katsina State Government had earlier confirmed the death of the retired military officer in captivity.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the government said the former general died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.
The government noted that efforts by security agencies and the state administration to secure his release were unsuccessful and described his death as a major loss to both Katsina State and Nigeria.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed sadness over the incident, extended condolences to the family, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with federal authorities and security agencies to tackle banditry and other criminal activities across the state.
