A retired major general and former director of defence information Rabe Abubakar has been reported dead in the custody of armed bandits nearly two weeks after he was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State.
Penpushing reports that the Katsina State Government confirmed the death in a statement issued on Saturday, adding that the retired army officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, in the statement added efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure Abubakar’s release were unsuccessful
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity. The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension’ Mu’azu
“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’, the statement added.
Penpushing further reports that Abubakar, who hailed from Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, served as director of defence information, the spokesperson of the Defence Headquarters, between 2015 and 2017.
The deceased during his tenure, played a prominent role in communicating the military’s operations against Boko Haram insurgents and other security threats.
Penpushing also reports that it would be recalled that Abubakar and his wife, Amina, were reportedly abducted on May 30, 2026 while travelling along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The couple were said to be travelling to attend a wedding when armed men ambushed their vehicle near Zakin Baure village, while their driver reportedly sustained gunshot injuries but escaped from the scene.
Penpushing report that following the abduction, videos released by the kidnappers circulated on social media, showing the retired officer and his wife appealing to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Dikko Radda and other authorities to facilitate their release.
The abductors reportedly demanded the release of some detained associates and the return of confiscated livestock, and in one of the videos, Abubakar appeared visibly frail, while reports from family members indicated that he had been experiencing severe health challenges during captivity.
Penpushing further reports that Governor Dikko Radda in reacting described the retired general’s death as a dark moment for Katsina State and the country, as he extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The Governor said the incident underscored the urgent need for a collective response to the insecurity affecting communities across the state and the wider North-west region.
“The Katsina State Government remains committed to working with the Federal Government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice,” the statement said.
Penpushing also reports that the governor also assured residents that his administration’s resolve to combat banditry and protect lives and property remained firm.
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