Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) who was abducted in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago is dead.
Rabe was kidnapped alongside his wife around the Matazu area of Katsina while travelling for a wedding.
Rabe was last seen in a video where his captors demanded release of some bandits and seized livestock.
In the four-minute, two-second video circulated on social media, the couple were seen standing and relaying the demands of their captors.
Speaking in the video, the wife of the retired army general conveyed the abductors’ demand for the release of three of their members identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru.
According to her account, two of the detained individuals were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was arrested in Kano.
She further appealed to the Katsina State Government and the leaders of five local government areas to facilitate compliance with the demands in order to secure their release.
The retired army general, who spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts to ensure peacestating that the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
But in a statement on Saturday, Nasiru Mu’azu, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Katsina, said Rabe died from complications of 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.”
“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 variousSecurity Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy.
“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at-large. The Governor has described thisincident 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 our communities.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”
It is unclear if the deceased’s wife has been released or is still in captivity.
Cc: Dailytrust