Family Dismisses Government Account of General Rabe’s Death, Reveals Cause of Death

The family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.) has rejected the explanation given by the Katsina State Government on the cause of his death, insisting he did not suffer from diabetes or hypertension as stated in the official announcement.

The retired military officer and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. He later died while in captivity.

Following the incident, the state government said the retired general died from complications linked to diabetes and high blood pressure.

However, the family says there is no medical history supporting that claim.

Speaking to Deutsche Welle (DW), his son, Isyaka Rabe, said the government’s account does not reflect the family’s knowledge of his health condition.

“Our father had no history of diabetes or hypertension. That information is not correct,” he said.

He added that the family suspects a different cause of death based on available indications from the period of captivity.

“Some people believe he may have died from a snake bite, especially considering the last video released by the kidnappers. But only God knows what truly happened,” he said.

Isyaka described the late general as a disciplined and religious man who lived a quiet life, noting that he died under tragic circumstances.

“He was a very simple and peace-loving man. He lived with dignity and faith,” he said.

He also said the family has no verified details on how the remains were recovered, adding that such questions should be directed to the authorities handling the situation.

“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people asked how his body was recovered. I told them I do not have that information,” he said.

The son further confirmed that his mother, who was abducted alongside the retired general, is still in captivity, dismissing reports circulating online that she had been released.

“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released,” he said.

Earlier, the late general’s daughter, Adda Abubakar, also rejected the government’s position, stating on her X account, @Addahaleem, that her father had no history of diabetes.

She also pointed to the possibility of a snake bite as the cause of death, aligning with the family’s suspicions, though no official confirmation has been provided.

The circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear as conflicting accounts continue to emerge from the government and the family.