Tears As Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Is Buried After Dying In Bandits Captivity

An atmosphere of grief and reflection enveloped Katsina on Saturday evening as retired Major General Rabe Abubakar was laid to rest following his death while in the custody of bandits.

The late senior military officer was buried at approximately 6:00 p.m. at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery, located opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis, after funeral prayers attended by hundreds of mourners.

Among those present were senior government officials, military officers, security chiefs, traditional rulers, political associates, family members, friends and well-wishers who gathered to pay their final respects to a man many described as a dedicated patriot who served Nigeria with honour throughout his military career.

The burial came amid growing national concern over the persistent insecurity across northern Nigeria, particularly the increasing incidents of kidnapping and banditry that continue to claim lives and disrupt communities.

For many of those present, the death of a retired Major General in captivity represented a painful reminder that insecurity remains one of the country's most pressing challenges.

General Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, while travelling along the Katsina–Matazu Road on his way to his hometown.

His death was confirmed by the Katsina State Government in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu.

According to the commissioner, the retired officer died while in captivity following complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.

However, the circumstances surrounding his death have continued to generate debate and emotional reactions across the country.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) rejected suggestions that the former military officer died a natural death.

In a statement issued by Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group argued that his death was directly linked to the insecurity that enabled his abduction in the first place.

“There is nothing natural about dying in the hands of bandits,” Charanchi said.

“A man abducted from his home or along the road and held captive by criminals did not die a natural death he died because the state failed in its most sacred responsibility: protecting the lives and property of its citizens.”

The CNG leader said the incident raises troubling questions about the safety of ordinary Nigerians.

“When even a retired major general can be kidnapped and perish in captivity, what hope remains for ordinary Nigerians? This tragedy is a damning indictment of the worsening insecurity ravaging our nation,” he stated.

He further noted that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to intensify efforts aimed at combating banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Despite the criticism, Charanchi offered prayers for the late officer, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.

He also prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family while urging leaders at all levels to confront insecurity with greater sincerity and determination.

“We pray that Allah blesses Nigeria with sincere, courageous and compassionate leaders who will confront insecurity with honesty, determination and unwavering commitment, so that no family will have to endure such a tragedy again,” he said.

The late General Abubakar served Nigeria in several strategic capacities during his military career and remained actively involved in security discourse after retirement.

His death has once again brought the issue of insecurity to the forefront of national conversation, with many Nigerians demanding stronger measures to protect citizens and restore confidence in the country’s security architecture.