By Ayo Kehinde
Tragedy struck in Katsina State on Saturday after the state government confirmed that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar had died while being held captive by armed kidnappers, in a disturbing incident that has further exposed the worsening insecurity crisis and growing threat of banditry across northern Nigeria.
The Katsina State Government announced the heartbreaking development in an official statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, confirming that the retired senior military officer passed away despite sustained efforts by authorities and security agencies to secure his freedom.
According to the statement, the late general died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors.
“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.
The government explained that although intensive efforts were made by security operatives and relevant authorities to rescue the former military officer alive, those efforts were unsuccessful, with the retired general eventually succumbing to health complications during the period of his abduction.
Officials described his death as a devastating loss not only to his immediate family and the people of Katsina State, but also to the entire nation, given his years of service to the country during his distinguished military career.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep grief over the tragic incident, extending condolences to the family of the deceased and Nigerians mourning the former military officer.
The governor described the development as a “dark moment” for the state and a painful reminder of the urgent need for stronger collective action against the growing wave of criminal violence threatening lives and communities across the country.
According to the statement, Governor Radda reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Government to continue working with the Federal Government and security agencies to dismantle criminal networks responsible for banditry and kidnappings across the region.
“The Katsina State Government remains committed to working with the Federal Government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice.
“ We assure citizens that our resolve to eliminate banditry and guarantee the safety of all residents remains unshaken,” the government stated.
The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar has further intensified concerns over worsening insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region, particularly in Katsina State and neighbouring states where armed groups have continued to carry out deadly attacks, mass abductions, and violent assaults on rural communities despite sustained military operations.
The Katsina State Government said its thoughts and prayers remain with the bereaved family while praying for the peaceful repose of the late general’s soul.
