Family Reveals How General Abubakar Died, Says Wife Still In Bandits’ Custody

The family of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has disclosed that the former military officer died from a snakebite while being held captive by bandits, contradicting earlier reports that linked his death to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.

Family members made the revelation during an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), where they provided fresh details about the circumstances surrounding the retired general’s death and the continued captivity of his wife.

According to the family, the narrative that General Abubakar died as a result of pre-existing health conditions is inaccurate. They maintained that the retired army officer had no known history of diabetes or hypertension and insisted that a snakebite was responsible for his death while in the custody of his abductors.

The disclosure has raised new questions about the circumstances of the retired officer’s final days after he was kidnapped alongside his wife by armed bandits in Katsina State.

General Abubakar and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area while travelling to their hometown.

Following news of his death, the Katsina State Government had announced that the retired military officer died from complications related to diabetes and high blood pressure while in captivity. However, his family has now publicly challenged that account, insisting that the cause of death was unrelated to any underlying medical condition.

The family further clarified that General Abubakar’s wife, who was kidnapped alongside him, has not regained her freedom and remains in the hands of the bandits.

They dismissed reports suggesting she had been released and expressed deep concern over her prolonged captivity.

Family members appealed to security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts aimed at securing her rescue, stressing that the family continues to live in anxiety over her safety.

The death of the retired general has sparked widespread concern across the country, highlighting the persistent threat posed by banditry and kidnapping activities in several parts of northern Nigeria.

The tragic incident also reignited national conversations about insecurity and the safety of travellers on major roads across the region.

Reacting earlier to the retired officer’s death, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed shock and sadness over the development, describing it as a painful loss to the nation.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that General Abubakar had served the country with distinction during his military career before retiring from active service.

Tinubu also sympathised with the bereaved family, particularly the late general’s wife, who remains in captivity, and extended his condolences to the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, while insisting that the government would not bow to pressure or demands from criminal groups operating across the country.

As security agencies continue efforts to rescue the general’s wife and other victims held by armed groups, the latest revelations from the family have added a new dimension to the circumstances surrounding the death of the retired military officer.