Family rejects government’s account of General Rabe Abubakar’s death

The family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.) has challenged the Katsina State Government’s account of the circumstances surrounding his death while in bandits’ captivity, insisting the former military spokesman had no history of diabetes or hypertension.

The retired army officer, who served as Director of Defence Information, was abducted alongside his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, while travelling along the Katsina–Matazu road in May. The Katsina State Government announced on Saturday that he died in captivity as a result of complications arising from diabetes and high blood pressure.

However, speaking on behalf of the family, his son, Isyaka Rabe, disputed the claim, maintaining that his father had never been diagnosed with either condition before his abduction.

According to him, the family believes the late general may have suffered a heart attack due to the harsh conditions of captivity, although he acknowledged that the exact cause of death remains uncertain.

“My father did not have a history of diabetes or hypertension. We believe he may have suffered a heart attack, but ultimately only God knows what truly happened,” he said.

Isyaka also disclosed that the family received conflicting reports regarding the circumstances of the retired officer’s death, including unverified claims that he may have been bitten by a snake while being held in the forest.

The controversy over the cause of death comes as the family continues to grapple with another painful reality — the continued captivity of Hajiya Amina Abubakar.

The deceased officer’s son dismissed reports circulating on social media that his mother had regained her freedom, insisting she remains in the custody of her abductors.

“Anyone saying my mother has been released is not telling the truth. She is still being held by the bandits,” he stated.

The clarification has renewed calls for intensified efforts to secure her release and rescue other victims still being held by criminal groups operating in parts of northwestern Nigeria.

Following the death of the retired general, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda extended condolences to the family and pledged continued support for security operations aimed at combating banditry across the state.

Security agencies are yet to provide further details on efforts to secure the release of Hajiya Amina Abubakar.

Major General Rabe Abubakar was widely respected for his service in the Nigerian Army and his role as former Director of Defence Information. His death has drawn widespread reactions from military personnel, public officials, and citizens concerned about the growing insecurity in the region.