By Peace Udugba
Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was laid to rest in Katsina State on Saturday following funeral prayers attended by family members, military officers, government officials, and residents.
The late general died while in bandits’ captivity after he and his wife were abducted along the Matazu axis of Katsina State on May 30.
According to reports, Abubakar’s wife, who was held alongside him by the abductors, regained her freedom and was released together with his body.
The development was disclosed by crisis reporter Bakatsine in a post on X.
The Katsina State Government had earlier confirmed the death of the retired military officer.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, said security authorities received information indicating that Abubakar died while in the custody of his captors.
The state government stated that the retired general reportedly died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure his release.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the death as a tragic loss to both Katsina State and Nigeria, noting that the late military officer served the nation with dedication and distinction.
Mourners gathered on Saturday to pay their final respects as Abubakar was buried in accordance with Islamic rites, while his wife reunited with family members after weeks in captivity.
