The family of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has called on the Katsina State Government to explain how the former military officer’s body was recovered from bandits while his wife remains in captivity.
Speaking in an interview with DW Hausa, the deceased’s son, Ishaka Rabe Abubakar, said the family had no information regarding the circumstances under which the corpse was returned and insisted that only government authorities could provide answers.
According to him, questions began pouring in after funeral arrangements for the retired general were announced, with many people seeking clarification on how his remains were retrieved from the kidnappers.
“People kept asking how the body was brought back. I have no answer to that question. The government should be asked because even I would like to know how the corpse was recovered,” he said.
Major General Abubakar and his wife, Amina, were abducted on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Katsina State after gunmen ambushed their vehicle near Zakin Baure village in Matazu Local Government Area. Their driver reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
The retired military officer’s death was confirmed by the Katsina State Government on Saturday, sparking widespread reactions and raising questions over the circumstances surrounding his death and the recovery of his remains.
Introducing himself during the interview, Ishaka described his father as a devoted Muslim, a humble man and a respected member of society whose death had been accepted by the family as the will of God.
“We believe he died as a martyr. We pray that Allah grants him mercy and eternal reward,” he said.
He recalled that his father lived peacefully with others and was known for his simplicity despite his military background.
“Everyone who knew him can testify that he was a kind and religious man. He never harmed anyone and related with people without arrogance,” Ishaka added.
The family also challenged the official explanation regarding the cause of death.
While the Katsina State Government stated that the retired general died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension, Ishaka said the family was not convinced by that account.
According to him, indications available to the family suggested that a snakebite may have contributed to his father’s death.
“The truth is that we do not believe diabetes caused his condition. From what we saw, it appeared more likely that he suffered a snakebite because of the marks observed on his leg,” he said, while acknowledging that only God knows exactly what transpired during captivity.
Ishaka also dismissed reports claiming that his mother had regained her freedom, insisting that she remains in the custody of the kidnappers.
“As of today, anyone saying she has been released is not telling the truth. She is still with the bandits, and we are waiting for her return,” he stated.
Addressing the state government, the bereaved son said the family was not accusing Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of direct involvement in the tragedy but stressed that leadership carries responsibility for the safety and welfare of citizens.
“We are not saying the governor caused what happened. However, a leader is expected to act as a guardian of the people. Our prayer is that Allah guides him, and our hope remains that our mother will return safely,” he said.
The controversy follows the Katsina State Government’s announcement that the retired general died while in captivity despite efforts by security agencies and the state administration to secure his release.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the government said Abubakar died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors.
The government described his death as a significant loss to his family, Katsina State and Nigeria, while Governor Radda extended condolences and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to combat banditry and bring those responsible to justice.
Before his death was confirmed, the kidnappers had released a video showing the retired general and his wife appealing to the government to meet their demands, including the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations.
While the fate of the retired general has now been confirmed, uncertainty continues to surround the whereabouts and condition of his wife, who remains in captivity.
