Former army generals have expressed anger over the death of retired Major General in the Nigerian Army, Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits in Katsina State and later died in their custody, describing it as a failure of the Federal Government in addressing the worsening insecurity across the country.
Abubakar’s abduction was announced on May 30. He was kidnapped alongside his wife.
On June 6, the bandits demanded the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations as conditions for the couple’s freedom.
The demands were conveyed in a four-minute video released by the kidnappers, showing Abubakar and his wife appealing to the Katsina State Government for the release of three detained fighters and the return of the livestock.
But on Saturday, the government confirmed Abubakar’s death, describing it as a tragic loss to the state and the nation.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, and made available to journalists.
The government said the retired military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.