Abducted Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Dies in Bandits’ Den

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by armed bandits in Katsina State, has died while in captivity, bringing a tragic end to efforts aimed at securing his release.

The Katsina State Government confirmed the development on Saturday, describing the death of the former military officer as a devastating loss to his family, the state, and the nation.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, who disclosed that 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 said.

According to the state government, intensive efforts by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration, working in collaboration with security agencies, had been ongoing to secure Abubakar’s freedom before the unfortunate development.

Mu’azu noted that the retired military officer’s death represents a profound loss, not only to his immediate family but also to Katsina State and Nigeria as a whole, considering his years of service to the country.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Radda expressed deep sorrow over the former general’s death, describing it as a painful reminder of the persistent security challenges confronting parts of the country.

The governor extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies to tackle banditry and other forms of violent crime across Katsina State.

Radda assured residents that authorities would intensify efforts to bring those responsible for the abduction to justice and strengthen measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

The governor further appealed to citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence and information that could aid ongoing operations against criminal groups.

The death of Major General Abubakar highlights the enduring insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed bandit groups continue to carry out kidnappings, attacks on communities, and other violent crimes despite sustained military operations and government interventions.