Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information who was abducted alongside his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, has died in the captivity of his abductors.

The Katsina Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Muazu, confirmed the death of the retired senior military officer, disclosing that he had died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension during his captivity.

The government, in a statement seen by expressed profound sorrow over the development, stating that its security agencies made extensive efforts to secure the ex-Army General’s release, to no avail. “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 statement said.

According to 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.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda extended his condolences to the deceased’s family and the nation, describing the incident as a dark moment that underscored the need for stronger collaboration to tackle insecurity.

It would be recalled that the retired military officer was reportedly travelling to Katsina with his wife,  and their driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu, when they were ambushed along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area. The attack occurred near Zakin Baure village.

According to an eyewitness, the abduction occurred within Matazu Local Government Area, an area that has recorded repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years.

A source familiar with the incident said Abubakar’s driver escaped from the scene after sustaining a gunshot injury.

“Maj. Gen. R. Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, was kidnapped together with his wife on his way to Katsina today. He was kidnapped along Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. His driver escaped with a gunshot injury,” the source said.

The source added that the vehicle involved in the incident, a red Peugeot 504 assigned to the retired officer, was later recovered.

According to the source, the vehicle was parked at the Matazu Divisional Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The senior officer’s Peugeot 504, red in colour, is parked at the Matazu Division of the Nigeria Police Force,” the source added.

A message reportedly circulated among security and military contacts also raised the alarm about the incident and called for urgent intervention by the relevant authorities.

The message read, “Maj Gen R Abubakar, former Dir Def Info, was kidnapped together with his wife on his way to Katsina today. He was kidnapped along Matazu LGA of KTS. His driver escaped with gunshot injury. The Snr offr Peugeot 504 Red in color is parked at Matazu Div NPF. Plse pass to authorities as appropriate.”

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