How Bandits Released Father’s Corpse Remains A Mystery

The family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar is seeking answers regarding how his body was recovered from captivity for burial following his death. The former Director of Defence Information was abducted by bandits in Katsina State two weeks ago, with the state government announcing his passing on Saturday due to deteriorating health.

Following the announcement, the retired Army General’s remains were buried on Saturday in Katsina amidst a large crowd. Despite the funeral, family members report being kept in the dark regarding the specifics of how his body was retrieved from the kidnappers.

Speaking with the DW Hausa Service on Sunday evening, the late officer’s son, Isyaka Rabe Abubakar, revealed that the family remains completely unaware of the circumstances surrounding how the bandits released his father’s corpse.

“When I announced that the funeral prayer will hold at 6pm, many people asked me how was the body recovered. I told them I had no information and asked them to direct such questions to the State government because I would also like to know,” he said.

His remarks come amid conflicting accounts over the cause of retired General Abubakar’s death in the bandits’ den.

While the Katsina State Government, in its statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, announced that Major General Abubakar died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity, his son disputed the government’s account, insisting that his father had no history of either ailment.

“Our father was not diabetic and did not suffer from hypertension. People have different opinions about what happened. We believe it was most likely due to a snakebite, while others think he might have stepped on something. From the video, you could see his leg was swollen, but only God knows the true cause of his death,” Isyaka added.

Isyaka Rabe Abubakar described his late father as a devout Muslim, a peace-loving man, and a humble individual who lived a modest life and ultimately died as a hero.

Furthermore, the deceased’s son strongly debunked widespread reports claiming that his mother, who was kidnapped alongside the retired Army General, had regained her freedom. He insisted that she remains held in the custody of the abductors.

“Whoever says our mother has been released, I, Isyaka Rabe, am telling you it is a lie. She still remains a captive with them,” he stated.

Appealing to the Katsina State Government to intensify efforts to secure her freedom, Isyaka said the family had entrusted the matter to God.

“As Muslims, we will not blame anyone, but we know that as the governor, you are the father of the people. Our father has already died, now we are waiting for our mother,” he stated.