Family Speaks: How General Abubakar Died, Reveals Wife Still In Bandits’ Captivity

The family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has disclosed that he died from a snakebite while being held in captivity by bandits who abducted him and his wife.

They dismissed earlier reports suggesting that he died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension, describing such claims as inaccurate.

Family members who spoke to DW provided the clarification, stressing that his death was not connected to any pre-existing medical conditions.

The family further revealed that his wife, who was abducted alongside him, remains in the custody of the kidnappers, contrary to reports that she had already been released.

They expressed deep concern over her continued captivity and appealed for intensified efforts to secure her safe return.

The incident has sparked renewed concern over the worsening insecurity in the country.

Reacting to the development, President Bola Tinubu vowed that the government would not yield to the demands of criminal elements.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that General Abubakar, a retired senior officer with a distinguished military career, was kidnapped while travelling to his hometown after retirement.

President Tinubu commiserated with the family of the deceased, especially his wife, who remains in captivity, and extended condolences to the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces.