Isyaka Rabe, a son of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, has rejected the Katsina State Government’s claim that his father died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension while in bandits’ captivity.
Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle on Sunday, Isyaka said the retired army officer had no known history of either condition.
He described reports linking his father’s death to diabetes as inaccurate and said the family believed he may have suffered a heart attack.
Some people have also suggested that the retired general may have died from a snake bite, based on his appearance in the last video released by the kidnappers.
Isyaka, however, said the exact cause of death remained uncertain.
“I truly don’t believe it was diabetes. In our view, it was a heart attack,” he said.
“If you look at it, his legs were restrained. Moreover, some people said that he was walking and that he didn’t die, so God knows, since only God is the knower.”
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The Katsina State Government announced the former military officer’s death on Saturday, saying he died from complications associated with diabetes and hypertension.
However, no independent medical report confirming the cause of death has been made public.
Isyaka described his father as a religious, peace-loving and modest man who served his country and community with dignity.
He said the retired general died a hero and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Family unaware of how body was recovered
Isyaka also said he had no information about how his father’s remains were recovered from the kidnappers.
He explained that after announcing the time for the funeral prayer, several people asked him how the body had been brought home.
“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered,” he said.
“I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government.”
His statement has raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the retired general’s body and whether negotiations took place before it was released.
Wife remains in captivity
Isyaka also dismissed reports circulating on social media that his mother, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, had been freed.
He said she remained in the custody of the kidnappers.
“Whoever says she has been released, I, Isyaka Rabe, son of Major General Rabe, say that is a lie. She has not been released,” he said.
“Right now, she is still in their custody.”
The family’s clarification came amid conflicting reports about the condition and whereabouts of the retired general’s wife. The Katsina State Government’s statement confirming General Abubakar’s death did not provide details about efforts to secure her freedom.
The abduction of General Abubakar and his wife was announced on May 30.
The couple were reportedly kidnapped while travelling in Katsina State.
On June 6, the armed group holding them released a video in which the couple appealed to the state government to meet the abductors’ demands.
The kidnappers demanded the release of three detained associates and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations.
In the nearly four-minute video, the retired general and his wife were seen in captivity while explaining the conditions set by their abductors.
No direct demand for a cash ransom was mentioned in the recording.
The armed group focused instead on the release of the three detained men and the return of the livestock.
Days later, the Katsina State Government confirmed that the retired general had died in captivity.
The government described his death as a major loss to his family, Katsina State and Nigeria.
Tinubu, Defence Headquarters react
President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over General Abubakar’s death and extended condolences to his family.
The Defence Headquarters also promised to intensify military operations against the armed group responsible for the abduction and other criminal organisations operating across the country.
It said those behind the kidnapping and death of the retired officer would be brought to justice.
The family is now mourning the late general while also appealing for urgent action to secure the release of his wife.
The conflicting accounts of his death have increased calls for the authorities to provide a clear explanation of how his body was recovered and whether a medical examination was conducted.
Until an official medical report is released, the precise cause of General Abubakar’s death remains unconfirmed.
