‘We Didn’t Know How Our Father’s Corpse Was Released For Burial By Bandits’ – Late Gen. Abubakar’s Son

The family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has said that it remained in the dark over how the body of the former military officer was retrieved from his abductors for burial after he died in captivity.

The former Director of Defence Information (DDI) was kidnapped alongside his wife two weeks ago by bandits in Katsina State. However, the Katsina State government announced his death in captivity on Saturday, citing deteriorating health condition.

Hours later on Saturday, the remains of the retired Army General were buried in Katsina after a funeral prayer attended by a mammoth crowd.

But, speaking in an interview with ‘DW Hausa’ Service on Sunday evening, the deceased’s son, Isyaka Rabe Abubakar, disclosed that the family was not aware of the circumstances surrounding the release of his father’s corpse by the bandits.

“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.

He described the late father as a devout Muslim, a peace-loving man and a humble individual who lived a modest life and died as a hero.

The deceased’s son also debunked reports claiming that his mother, who was kidnapped alongside the retired Army General, had regained her freedom, insisting that she remained 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.