Former Director of Defence Information, Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, was laid to rest in Katsina State on Saturday after weeks of uncertainty following his abduction by suspected bandits.
The funeral drew family members, military officers, government officials, traditional leaders and residents who gathered to pay their final respects to the retired senior officer, whose death has sparked renewed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria.
The late general was buried in accordance with Islamic rites shortly after funeral prayers held in Katsina. The solemn ceremony was marked by grief as mourners remembered him as a disciplined military officer who devoted many years of his life to serving the country.
There was, however, a measure of relief for the family as Abubakar’s wife, who had been kidnapped alongside him, regained her freedom after spending weeks in captivity. She was reportedly released by the abductors together with the body of her late husband and later reunited with family members.
The Katsina State Government had earlier confirmed that the retired military officer died while in the custody of his abductors after he and his wife were kidnapped along the Matazu axis of the state on May 30.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, disclosed that security authorities received information indicating that the former defence spokesman died while being held by the kidnappers.
According to the state government, Abubakar reportedly suffered complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
Danmusa said security agencies made sustained efforts to secure the release of the retired officer and his wife, but the attempts could not prevent the tragic outcome.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the incident as a painful loss not only to Katsina State but also to the entire country.
He said the death of the retired major general was particularly heartbreaking considering his years of dedicated service in defending Nigeria and contributing to national security.
The governor extended his condolences to the bereaved family, friends and colleagues of the late officer, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Abubakar was widely known in military circles and among members of the public for his role as Director of Defence Information, where he served as the spokesperson for the Nigerian Armed Forces. During his time in office, he regularly briefed Nigerians on military operations and security developments across the country.
His death in captivity has once again highlighted the growing threat posed by banditry and kidnapping in several parts of the North-West.
Katsina State has remained one of the states most affected by attacks by armed groups commonly referred to as bandits. Communities in several local government areas have experienced repeated cases of abductions, cattle rustling and attacks on villages despite ongoing military operations.
Over the years, both serving and retired security personnel, traditional rulers, politicians, businessmen and ordinary citizens have fallen victim to kidnappers operating in the region.
The abduction and death of a retired senior military officer have raised fresh questions about the boldness of criminal groups and the challenges confronting security agencies in their efforts to tackle insecurity.
For many residents of Katsina, the death of Major General Abubakar is a painful reminder that no one appears to be beyond the reach of criminal elements.
At the funeral, sympathizers offered prayers for the late officer and comforted members of his family, who had endured weeks of anxiety following the abduction.
The return of his wife alive brought some consolation amid the sorrow. Family members expressed gratitude for her safe release, even as they mourned the loss of the retired general.
Those who knew Abubakar described him as a calm and professional officer who carried out his duties with dedication and patriotism throughout his military career.
His passing adds to the list of prominent Nigerians who have lost their lives to insecurity, further underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to protect lives and property across the country.
As the retired major general was committed to mother earth, many Nigerians reflected on his service to the nation and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.