A retired Nigerian Army officer, Major General Abubakar Rabe, has died while in captivity two weeks after he was abducted in Katsina State.
Rabe and his wife were kidnapped near Matazu while travelling to attend a wedding. Their abduction drew national attention after a video surfaced showing the couple speaking from captivity.
In the video, the abductors demanded the release of three detained individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru. Rabe’s wife appealed to the Katsina State Government and community leaders across five local government areas to facilitate their release. The retired general also called for efforts toward peace, saying the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue.
Confirming the development on Saturday, Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said Rabe died in captivity from complications related to diabetes and hypertension.
“The 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,” Mu’azu said in a statement.
He said the government and security agencies had made sustained efforts to secure the retired officer’s release, but those efforts did not prevent the outcome.
According to the commissioner, Rabe’s death represents a significant loss to his family, Katsina State and the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda extended condolences to the family, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the security challenges facing communities across the state.
The whereabouts and condition of Rabe’s wife remain unclear, as authorities have not confirmed whether she has been released or is still being held by the abductors.
