The son of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), Isyaka Rabe, has dismissed claims by the Katsina State Government that his father died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
Speaking during an interview with Deutsche Welle on Sunday, Isyaka insisted that the retired military officer had no history of either medical condition before he was abducted by bandits.
The Katsina State Government had announced the former Director of Defence Information’s death on Saturday, attributing it to underlying health challenges.
However, the family has challenged the official account, suggesting that the harsh conditions of his captivity may have contributed to his death.
“I truly don’t believe it was diabetes. In our view, it was a heart attack,” Isyaka said, adding that his father’s legs were restrained while he was being held by the kidnappers.
He also acknowledged speculation on social media that the retired general may have suffered a snake bite, following the release of the last video recorded by his abductors.
Nevertheless, he said the exact cause of death remains uncertain.
“Only God knows what truly happened,” he added.
Addressing questions surrounding the recovery of his father’s remains, Isyaka said the family was not informed about how the body was retrieved from the terrorists.
“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered. I told them I did not know and that such questions should be directed to the government,” he said.
The deceased general’s son also debunked reports circulating on social media that his mother, who was abducted alongside his father, had regained her freedom.
“Whoever says she has been released is lying. She has not been released. As I speak, she is still in their custody,” he stated.
Major General Abubakar and his wife were kidnapped by armed bandits on May 30. While the retired officer died in captivity after spending about two weeks in the hands of his abductors, his wife remains held by the criminals.
Describing his father as a devout, peaceful and humble man, Isyaka said the family is mourning a painful loss while continuing to pray and hope for the safe return of his mother.
