Tragedy, relief as abducted General buried, wife freed

Former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), was buried in Katsina on Saturday after dying in captivity, while his wife regained freedom and reunited with her family.

Former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, was laid to rest in Katsina on Saturday, bringing a somber end to a kidnapping ordeal that shocked the nation and claimed the life of a respected military officer.

According to Daily Post, the late general’s wife, who was abducted alongside him, regained her freedom after their captors reportedly released her together with his body.

The burial, conducted in accordance with Islamic rites, drew family members, military personnel, government officials and residents who gathered to pay their final respects to the retired officer.

The Katsina State Government had earlier confirmed that Abubakar died while in captivity after being kidnapped alongside his wife along the Matazu axis of the state on May 30.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, disclosed that security authorities received intelligence indicating that the retired military officer died while being held by his abductors.

According to government officials, the former defence spokesman reportedly succumbed to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension despite efforts by security agencies to secure his release.

His death has been widely described as a painful loss, particularly given his long years of service to the Nigerian Armed Forces and his contributions to national security.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed sadness over the development, describing the incident as a tragic loss not only to Katsina State but to Nigeria as a whole.

The governor noted that the late general dedicated a significant part of his life to serving the nation and strengthening its security institutions.

At the funeral, emotions ran high as mourners reflected on the circumstances surrounding his death and the growing insecurity affecting parts of northern Nigeria.

While relatives and well-wishers prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased, there was also relief that his wife survived the ordeal and was able to return home after weeks in captivity.

The incident has once again renewed concerns about kidnapping and banditry in the region, with many calling for intensified efforts to tackle insecurity and prevent similar tragedies in the future.