Ex-defence spokesman, Rabe Abubakar buried as wife regains freedom

Former Director of Defence Information, Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, was laid to rest in Katsina on Saturday after funeral prayers attended by family members, military officers, government officials and residents.

The development was contained in a post shared by Bakatsine, a crisis reporter, via his X handle, which disclosed that the late general’s wife, who had been held alongside him in captivity, was released by their abductors together with his body.

The burial took place after the Katsina State Government confirmed that the retired military officer died while in bandits’ captivity following his abduction alongside his wife along the Matazu axis of the state on May 30.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, had said security authorities received information indicating that the retired general died while in the custody of his abductors.

According to the state government, Abubakar reportedly died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension despite sustained efforts by security agencies to secure his freedom.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the incident as a tragic loss to Katsina State and Nigeria, noting that the late general’s death was a significant blow given his years of dedicated service to the country.

During the funeral on Saturday, mourners gathered to pay their final respects as the retired military officer was buried in accordance with Islamic rites, while his wife, who regained her freedom after weeks in captivity, reunited with family members.