Late General’s Son Rejects Katsina Government’s Claim on Cause of Death

The family of the late retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar has rejected claims by the Katsina State Government that the senior military officer died from diabetes-related complications while in captivity.

Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle Hausa on Sunday, the deceased officer’s son Isyaka Rabe, insisted that his father neither suffered from diabetes nor hypertension before his abduction.

The clarification comes days after state authorities reportedly attributed the retired general’s death to underlying health conditions.

“Our father was not diabetic and did not suffer from hypertension. People have different opinions about what happened,” Isyaka said.

According to him, the family believes the exact cause of death remains uncertain.

“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,” he added.

Speculation over the circumstances surrounding the retired officer’s death intensified after a video allegedly released by his abductors surfaced online, showing signs that prompted some observers to suggest he may have suffered a snakebite.

Despite the various theories, Isyaka maintained that no definitive conclusion has been reached.

He described his father as a deeply religious and peace-loving man who lived a modest life and ultimately died a hero.

The retired Major-General and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina State.

Addressing questions about how his father’s remains were recovered, Isyaka said he had no knowledge of the circumstances that led to the retrieval of the body.

“When I announced the funeral prayer, many people asked how the body was recovered. I told them I didn’t know and that such questions should be directed to the government,” he stated.

He also dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that his mother, who was kidnapped alongside the late general, had regained her freedom.

“Anyone saying my mother has been released is not telling the truth. As I speak, she is still in their custody,” he said.

The military high command had earlier confirmed the death of the retired officer in captivity and pledged to intensify operations against terrorist and bandit groups responsible for violent attacks across the country.

Major-General Abubakar was buried in Katsina on Sunday amid renewed calls for stronger action against insecurity and for the safe return of his wife, who remains in captivity.