Isyaka Rabe, son of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, has rejected rejected claims his father died from diabetes in bandits’ captivity.
In an interview with Deutsche Welle Hausa on Sunday, Isyaka said reports linking the general’s death to diabetes were incorrect.
The Katsina state government had previously stated that the retired general suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure prior to his passing while held by kidnappers.
“Our father was not diabetic and did not suffer from hypertension. People have different opinions about what happened,” he said.
“We believe it was most likely due to a snakebite, while others think he might have stepped on something. From the video, you could see his leg was swollen, but only God knows the true cause of his death.”
He added that some people speculated the late general may have died from a snake bite after a video allegedly released by his abductors surfaced online but stressed that the true cause of death remains unknown.
Describing his father as a devout and peace-loving man, Isyaka said the retired general lived a modest life and died a hero.
Asked how the family recovered his father’s remains, Isyaka said he had no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the retrieval of the body.
He also refuted reports circulating on social media that his mother, who was kidnapped alongside his father, had regained freedom.
“When I announced the funeral prayer, many people asked how the body was recovered. I told them I didn’t know and that such questions should be directed to the government,” he said.
“Anyone saying my mother has been released is not telling the truth. As I speak, she is still in their custody.”
The retired major-general and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina.
The retired general later died while in captivity, a development that was confirmed by the military high command.
Following his death, the Defence Headquarters vowed to intensify ongoing operations against terrorist and bandit groups responsible for violent attacks across the country.
Abubakar was buried on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Katsina amid calls for stronger action to address insecurity and secure the release of his wife, who remains in captivity.
