Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe is dead. He died in captivity exactly two weeks after armed bandits kidnapped him in Katsina State.
Rabe and his wife were abducted near Matazu while traveling to a wedding ceremony. Both were taken by the gunmen during the journey.
A four-minute video surfaced on social media days after the abduction. In the footage, the couple stood before cameras and relayed their captors' demands.
Rabe's wife spoke prominently in the recording. She called for the release of three detained bandits identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru.
According to her account, two of the men were arrested in Jikamshi. Authorities had picked up the third suspect in Kano.
She appealed directly to Katsina's government and local council leaders. The plea was for officials to meet the abductors' conditions and free the couple.
In the video, Rabe himself made brief remarks. He urged efforts toward peace, noting that his captors had shown willingness to dialogue.
But hopes for his safe return dimmed quickly. On Saturday, the state government announced his death.
Nasiru Mu'azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the passing. According to him, Rabe died from medical complications.
The retired general suffered from diabetes and hypertension, Mu'azu explained. These underlying conditions led to his death while in bandit custody.
In a formal statement, the commissioner said the news came with "profound sadness." Officials acknowledged their unsuccessful efforts to secure his release.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda extended condolences to Rabe's family and the nation. He called the incident a "dark moment" for Katsina and Nigeria.
Radda used the tragedy to stress urgent action against criminals. According to him, communities must unite to combat the security threats they face.
The governor described Rabe's death as a significant loss. He noted that the retired military officer's passing affects the entire country, not just his state.
Officials expressed hopes for the departed general's eternal peace. Prayer requests were made for those Rabe left behind.
One critical detail remains unclear at this time. Nobody has confirmed whether Rabe's wife gained freedom or remains held by the abductors.
