A retired Major General, Abubakar Rabe, who was abducted by armed bandits in Katsina State two weeks ago, has reportedly died while in captivity.
The senior military officer was kidnapped alongside his wife in the Matazu area of Katsina State while they were travelling for a family wedding.
Their abduction sparked concern after a video later emerged showing the couple in captivity appealing for help and compliance with the demands of their abductors.
In the footage, which lasted about four minutes and circulated widely on social media, the couple were seen standing as they relayed the conditions set by the kidnappers for their release.
The abductors reportedly demanded the release of three detained individuals identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru, as well as other concessions.
The wife of the retired general, speaking in the video, appealed to the Katsina State Government and local authorities across affected areas to intervene and meet the demands in order to secure their freedom.
The retired officer also briefly spoke in the video, urging calm and expressing hope for a peaceful resolution.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Katsina State Government confirmed that the retired general died while still in captivity.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said the government received the news with “deep sorrow and a heavy heart,” adding that efforts had been ongoing to secure the release of the abducted couple.
According to him, the government, in collaboration with security agencies, had made “relentless and concerted efforts” to ensure their safe return, but the situation ended in tragedy.
Mu’azu further stated that the deceased reportedly died from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension, describing the incident as a major loss to the family, the state, and the nation at large.
He noted that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the development as a “dark moment,” stressing the urgent need for stronger collective action against armed criminal groups operating in the region.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed rest in peace,” the statement added.
It remains unclear at the time of filing this report whether the wife of the deceased has been released or is still being held by the abductors.
The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity and kidnapping for ransom in parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry continues to pose a major threat to lives and movement along rural roads.
