The remains of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, have been released by his abductors and buried in Katsina, days after the state government confirmed his death while in bandits’ captivity.
The late general’s wife, who was kidnapped alongside him, was also released by the terrorists and reunited with her family after spending weeks in captivity.
The development was disclosed by crisis reporter Bakatsine in a post on his X handle, stating that the abductors handed over the retired military officer’s body and freed his wife.
Abubakar and his wife were abducted along the Matazu axis of Katsina State on May 30, triggering concern among security agencies and residents.
The Katsina State Government had earlier confirmed that the retired general died in captivity, with the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, revealing that available information indicated he succumbed to health complications while in the custody of his abductors.
According to the government, the former defence spokesman reportedly died from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension despite efforts by security authorities to secure his release.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the incident as a devastating loss to Katsina State and Nigeria, praising the late general’s decades of service and contributions to national security.
The retired military officer was buried on Saturday according to Islamic rites, with family members, military officers, government officials and residents gathering to pay their final respects.
His wife’s freedom brought a measure of relief to the family as mourners continued to grieve the loss of the decorated officer.
