Reactions have begun to emerge after a former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who was abducted days ago, passed away on Saturday while in captivity of bandits.
The death of Rabe Abubakar was confirmed by the Katsina State Government on Saturday.
The State Government described the incident as a tragic loss to the state and the nation.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the 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.
According to the statement, several efforts were made by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, but the attempts were unsuccessful.
The statement reads: “The Katsina State Government, with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, wishes to inform the general public of the tragic passing of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in the bandits’ captivity. Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy.
“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.”
According to the statement, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the incident as a “dark moment,” adding that it underscored the urgent need for a stronger and more coordinated response to insecurity.
He extended condolences to the family of the late General and assured them that the government remains committed to working with security agencies to combat banditry in the state.
“The Katsina State Government remains committed to working with the Federal Government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace”, the statement added.
The Defence Headquarters on Saturday has also mourned the death of Rabe Abubakar.
The military high command vowed to intensify ongoing operations aimed at tracking down those responsible and other criminal elements across the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters described Abubakar’s death as a tragic loss.
“The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction,” Uba said.
The military said Abubakar served the nation with distinction in various capacities, including as spokesman for military formations and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The DHQ noted that the late officer contributed significantly to counter-insurgency operations, military professionalism, and national development.
“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN,” the statement added.
According to the statement, the Defence Headquarters deliberately avoided public comment on the abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing.
“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies.
“Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” Uba stated.
The military said the incident had further strengthened its resolve to intensify operations against insecurity across the country.
“In response to a series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria, including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation,” Uba said.
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