Former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has died in captivity of bandits, the Katsina State government said on Saturday in a statement.
The Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu, said in the statement that said the retired senior military officer, died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension during his captivity.
Abubakar, one-time Director of Defence Information (DDI) at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria, died two weeks after abduction with his wife, by gunmen in the State.
The victim alongside his wife, had appeared in a viral video in which he was pleading to the State government to heed to the bandits’ demands in exchange for his release.
The statement reads, “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”.
The government, the late General’s abduction and subsequent death represented a significant loss not only to his immediate family and Katsina State but also to Nigeria as a whole.
Responding, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the nation, describing the incident as a dark moment that underscored the need for stronger collaboration in tackling insecurity.
He revealed that the tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified response against criminal elements threatening peace and security across communities.
He stated that his commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice and assured residents that efforts to combat banditry and restore lasting peace across the state would co
ntinue unabated.
