‘Our father not diabetic or hypertensive,’ Son of late retired Army General who died in bandits’ den counters Katsina govt

The son of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, Isyaka Rabe, has challenged claims that his father died from complications related to diabetes while being held by bandits.

Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle Hausa on Sunday, Isyaka described reports linking his father’s death to diabetes as inaccurate. The Katsina State Government had earlier stated that the retired army officer suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure before his death in captivity.

Rejecting the claim, Isyaka said the family does not believe diabetes was responsible for his father’s death.

“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 explained that speculation about a possible snakebite emerged after a video allegedly released by the abductors surfaced online, but stressed that the actual cause of death remains unknown.

Describing his father as a religious, peaceful and humble man, Isyaka said the retired military officer lived a modest life and died a hero.

When asked how the family recovered the deceased’s body, he said he had no information about the process and advised those seeking answers to direct their questions to the authorities.

He also dismissed reports circulating on social media that his mother, who was kidnapped alongside his father, had been released.

“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 State. His death in captivity was later confirmed by military authorities.

Following the incident, the Defence Headquarters pledged to intensify operations against terrorist and bandit groups responsible for attacks across the country.

Abubakar was laid to rest in Katsina on Sunday, as renewed calls were made for stronger security measures and the rescue of his wife, who remains in captivity.