‘Government Is Not Telling the Truth’ — Late General’s Son Rejects Official Cause of Death

The son of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), Isyaka Rabe, has disputed the official explanation surrounding his father’s death in captivity, insisting that the retired military officer had no history of diabetes or hypertension as claimed by authorities.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), Isyaka raised fresh questions about the circumstances of his father’s death and the handling of information by government officials following the tragic incident.

The Katsina State Government had earlier announced that the retired general died while in the custody of his abductors due to complications arising from diabetes and high blood pressure. However, Isyaka said the family was unaware of any such medical conditions and believes the public deserves a clearer account of what happened.

According to him, the family was also left without answers regarding how the late general’s remains were recovered from the kidnappers.

“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered. I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government,” he said.

His comments have fueled further speculation about the circumstances surrounding the death of the retired army officer, who was kidnapped alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Katsina State’s Matazu Local Government Area.

While acknowledging that only God knows the exact cause of death, Isyaka rejected claims that his father succumbed to pre-existing health complications.

“My father did not suffer from diabetes or hypertension,” he maintained, contradicting the official narrative released by state authorities.

He revealed that some observers had suggested the retired general may have died after being bitten by a venomous snake, citing details allegedly observed in one of the videos released by the kidnappers during the period of captivity.

“Some people believed the late General might have died from a snake bite, based on the last video released by the kidnappers,” he stated.

Isyaka also addressed reports circulating about the fate of his mother, who was abducted alongside his father.

Contrary to rumours that she had regained her freedom, he disclosed that she remains in the hands of the kidnappers.

“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released,” he clarified.

The revelation comes amid growing public concern over the security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom and attacks by armed groups continue to pose significant challenges.

Major General Rabe Abubakar, a respected retired military officer, was travelling with his wife when they were ambushed and abducted by bandits. News of his death while in captivity sparked widespread grief and condemnation across the country.

With conflicting accounts now emerging over the circumstances of his death, fresh pressure may mount on authorities to provide more details regarding the incident, the recovery of his remains, and ongoing efforts to secure the release of his wife.