Tears flowed freely as the family of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe watched footage of their loved ones in captivity. The video shattered them completely.
Rabe and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, were seized on May 30 while traveling to Katsina State. Their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area.
Armed bandits blocked the road near Zakin Baure village and opened fire without warning. Their driver, Abdullahi Sa'idu, was shot in the hand but survived the attack.
A bandit leader named Muhammadu Kachalla made contact with family members after the abduction. He laid out demands through the four-minute video released over the weekend.
In the footage, Hajiya Amina spoke directly to authorities. She called for the release of three detained men: Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru.
Two of these men were arrested in Jikamshi, she explained. Nasiru was taken into custody in Kano.
Livestock seized during security raids at Jikamshi market must also be returned, according to her statement. She appealed to Katsina's governor and five local government leaders to comply.
General Rabe spoke briefly in the footage as well. He urged dialogue between the government and the abductors.
"They told us how committed they were to protecting the area and ensuring lasting peace. However, over time, they became disappointed with the response of local authorities.
I believe the government should return to the negotiation table with these people to restore sustainable peace," he noted.
Both captives appeared unhurt during the recording. They stood calmly while delivering their message.
Mariya Ibrahim, Rabe's younger sister, couldn't hold back her emotions when discussing the video. "When we saw him and his wife in that condition, we broke down completely," she told reporters.
She described her brother as a patriotic servant who gave his life to Nigeria. Now the family begged the government for swift action.
"We are begging the government to act quickly before it is too late," Mariya said, her voice breaking.
Ibrahim Mamman Batsari, a close associate and relative, described the psychological toll on the family. Watching Rabe helpless has devastated them all.
"This is not just an abduction; it is psychological torture for the family. Seeing him helpless like that has shattered us," Batsari told journalists.
"The government must act now, not tomorrow."
Another younger sister, Aisha Abubakar Batsari, said the family has lived in constant fear since the video surfaced. Fear grips them day and night.
The family's anguish reflects the broader security crisis gripping northern Nigeria. Kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common in the region.
