Former Nigerian Army spokesman who died in the custody of kidnappers laid to rest in Katsina

FORMER Nigerian Army spokesman Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe has been buried in Katsina after armed hoodlums who kidnapped him and his wife handed his body over to the authorities yesterday following his death in captivity.

General Rabe, the former director of Nigerian Army Information, was abducted along with his wife on May 30 by armed bandits along the Matazu axis of Katsina State. He subsequently died from complications arising from diabetes and high blood pressure while in captivity, forcing his kidnappers to hand his body over to the Katsina State authorities.

Early this morning, the Katsina State commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, said: “Katsina State government, with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, wishes to inform the general public of the tragic passing of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar. It is with profound sadness that we confirm the general’s death while in bandits’ captivity.

"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. His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.

Yesterday, the general was buried at the Gidan Dawa  Cemetery in Katsina at about 2.55 pm, with the Katsina State governor Umaru Radda, extending his deepest condolences to the family. He described this incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of Nigeria's communities.

Governor Radda said: "Katsina State government remains committed to working with the federal government and the security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken."

General Rabe  and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, were abducted on May 30, while travelling along the Marabar-Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Their vehicle was ambushed by armed bandits near Zakin Baure village, with their driver sustaining gunshot injuries during the attack.

Days after the abduction, the bandits released a four-minute video showing the retired army spokesman and his wife in captivity. In the footage, Hajiya Amina appealed to the Katsina State government and local government authorities to accede to the demands of their captors.

Hajiya Amina disclosed that the abductors were demanding the release of three detained associates identified as Aminu, Sani and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock allegedly seized from them. General Rabe also spoke briefly in the video, calling for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the situation, while appealing for efforts to secure their freedom.

However, President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired General Rabe. Bayo Onanuga, the president's spokesman, issued a statement commiserating with the late general's family, especially his wife and also extended his condolences to the Katsina State government and the Nigerian armed forces.

His statement read: “While the terrorists have done their worst, the president wants them to know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies. As I said on June 12,   bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state.

"These windows of surrender will not remain open forever and no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians. As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.”

It now appears that the hoodlums have released General Rabe's wife to the Katsina State government. General Rabe's funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners, including government officials, military personnel, family members and associates.

Leading the funeral prayer, Imam Kabir Dogarmaya urged worshippers to remember the inevitability of death and prayed for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for the deceased. Among those present at the burial were Katsina State deputy governor Farouk Jobe, senior government officials, security chiefs and other dignitaries.