Abducted ex-army spokesperson, Rabe Abubakar, dies in captivity

Former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, has died while in the custody of bandits, the Katsina State government confirmed on Saturday.
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‎The development brings a tragic end to efforts aimed at securing the release of the retired military officer, who was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State in late May.
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‎The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu.
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‎According to the government, Abubakar died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension while being held captive.
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‎Despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his freedom, the attempts were unsuccessful.
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‎The state government described the incident as a significant loss to Abubakar’s family, Katsina State, and the nation.
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‎ Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed condolences to the bereaved family, describing the death as a dark moment that highlights the persistent security challenges facing the country.
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‎Radda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with federal authorities and security agencies to combat banditry and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.
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‎ He also assured residents that efforts to restore peace and security across the state would continue unabated.
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‎Abubakar, a retired major general and former military spokesperson, was widely respected for his service in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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‎His death has renewed concerns over the growing threat posed by banditry and kidnapping in parts of northern Nigeria.
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