The family of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has asked the Katsina State Government to explain how his body was recovered while his wife, Amina, remains in the hands of bandits.
In an interview with DW Hausa, the general’s son, Ishaka Rabe Abubakar, dismissed reports that his mother had been freed, insisting she is still being held.
Abubakar and his wife were kidnapped on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Katsina State after bandits attacked them near Zakin Baure village in Matazu LGA. Their driver was shot during the attack.
Speaking on the recovery of his father’s body, Ishaka said the family had no answers.
“Many people saw the announcement that the funeral prayer would be held at six o’clock. People then asked me, ‘How was the corpse brought back?’ I replied that I cannot answer that question. Rather, the government should be asked about it. Even I myself would like to know how the corpse was brought,” he said.
Introducing himself, he said: “My name is Ishaka Rabe Abubakar. I am the son of General Rabe Abubakar who was kidnapped and later answered Allah’s call.”
He described his father as humble, religious and peaceful, adding: “I can testify that my father was a good man, a believer and a religious person.”
Ishaka also rejected claims that diabetes caused his father’s death.
“The truth is that it was not diabetes that caused this illness. In our view, it was most likely a snakebite because a snakebite could explain the marks and the condition seen on his leg,” he said.
On his mother’s situation, he stated: “As of now, anyone who says she has been released is lying. I, Ishaka Rabe, son of General Rabe Abubakar, am saying clearly that she has not been released. She is still in their custody.”
Earlier, the Katsina State Government said the retired officer died in captivity from diabetes and hypertension complications. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed condolences and pledged stronger action against banditry.
