By Gloria Drealomalicha
Isyaka Rabe, one of the sons of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), has disputed claims that his father died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension, insisting the retired military officer had no history of either condition.
Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle on Sunday, Isyaka described reports linking his father’s death to diabetes as inaccurate and questioned the circumstances surrounding the former Defence spokesman’s demise while in captivity.
According to him, members of the family believe the late general may have suffered a heart attack, although speculation has also emerged that he could have died from a snake bite after a video allegedly released by his captors surfaced online.
“I truly don’t believe it was diabetes. In our view, it was a heart attack. If you look at it, his legs were restrained. Moreover, some people said that he was walking and didn’t die, so God knows, since only God is the knower,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact cause of death, Isyaka said the family has entrusted the matter to God, noting that only the Almighty knows what truly happened during his father’s final moments.
Paying tribute to the deceased, he described the retired major general as a deeply religious, humble and peace-loving man who lived a simple life and served his country with dedication.
“My father died a hero,” he said.
Isyaka also revealed that the family remains in the dark over how the late general’s body was recovered.
He explained that following the announcement of his father’s funeral arrangements, many sympathisers sought clarification on the circumstances under which the remains were retrieved. However, he said he had no information and advised those seeking answers to direct their questions to the authorities.
“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered. I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the family continues to endure another painful ordeal, as Isyaka disclosed that his mother, who was abducted alongside his father, is still being held by the kidnappers.
He strongly denied social media reports suggesting that she had regained her freedom.
“Whoever says she has been released, I, Isyaka Rabe, son of Major General Rabe, say that is a lie. She has not been released. Right now, she is still in their custody,” he said.
Major General Abubakar’s abduction became public on May 30 after he and his wife were kidnapped by armed bandits.
Days later, on June 6, the kidnappers released a four-minute video in which the couple appealed to the Katsina State Government to secure their release. In the footage, the captors demanded the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations.
On Saturday, the Katsina State Government confirmed the retired military officer’s death, describing it as a tragic loss to both the state and the nation. The government stated that he died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
The death of the former Defence spokesman has attracted widespread reactions across the country. President Bola Tinubu expressed sorrow over the loss, while the Defence Headquarters vowed to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and strengthen ongoing operations against criminal groups nationwide.
As the nation mourns the decorated officer, his family continues to seek answers about his final days while hoping for the safe return of his wife, who remains in captivity.
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