Family of Slain General Rabe Abubakar Disputes Govt's Claim on Cause of Death

The family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar has expressed disbelief over the government's claim that he died from complications of diabetes and hypertension. In a recent statement, Isyaka, the son of the late general, said he does not believe that diabetes was the cause of his father's death. Instead, he thinks it was a heart attack that took his father's life. Isyaka pointed out that his father's legs were restrained, and some people claimed that he was walking before he died. 'God knows, since only God is the knower,' he said. The late general was described by his son as a deeply religious and peace-loving man who lived a simple life. He added that his father died a hero. Isyaka also revealed that he had no information on the circumstances surrounding the recovery of his father's body. When asked about the recovery of the body, Isyaka said he had no idea and directed questions to the government. Furthermore, Isyaka disclosed that his mother, who was abducted alongside his father, remains in captivity. He dismissed reports circulating on social media that she had been released, saying, 'Whoever says she has been released, I, Isyaka Rabe, son of Major General Rabe, I say that is a lie; she has not been released. Right now, she is still in their custody.' The abduction of the late general and his wife was announced on May 30. 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 the couple appealing to the Katsina State Government for the release of the detained fighters and the return of the livestock. However, on Saturday, the government confirmed the general's death, describing it as a tragic loss to the state and the nation. President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the death, while the Defence Headquarters pledged to intensify operations to bring those responsible and other criminal elements across the country to justice.