The family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has publicly challenged the Katsina State Government to explain the mysterious circumstances surrounding the return of his remains, revealing that no one from the household knows how the body was recovered from bandits while his wife remains in captivity.
In a candid interview with a local broadcaster, the deceased’s son, Ishaka Rabe Abubakar, expressed deep confusion over the logistics of the burial. He disclosed that when news spread that funeral prayers would hold by six o’clock, mourners and acquaintances began pressing him for details. Many people saw the announcement that the funeral prayer would be held at six o’clock. People then asked me, How was the corpse brought back? I replied that I also do not know, Ishaka stated. He insisted that the government must provide the answer, adding that even he, as a direct son of the deceased, would like to know how the body was retrieved from the bandits den.
The retired military officer and his wife, Amina, were abducted on May 30 while travelling along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Katsina State. Although the state government confirmed the death of the former Director of Defence Information, attributing it to complications from diabetes and hypertension, the family has vehemently rejected this narrative.
Ishaka denied that his father suffered from diabetes, suggesting instead that the fatal injury might have been a snakebite. He pointed to video footage showing the general in captivity with a swollen leg, maintaining that only Allah knows the true cause of the tragedy.
As the family mourned the man they described as a humble and peace loving soul, a more pressing concern dominated their plea. Ishaka debunked widespread reports that his mother had regained her freedom, insisting she is still held captive. He appealed directly to the state governor, reminding him that leadership carries the burden of guardianship over the people. While the family refrained from laying blame directly on the governor, Ishaka delivered a stark message. As Muslims, we will not blame anyone, but you are the governor and the father of the people. Our father has died. Now, we are waiting for our mother, he concluded.
