By Opeyemi Adelakun
Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd), who died after being held in captivity by bandits, has been laid to rest in Katsina State in a solemn burial attended by family members, military officers, government officials and residents.
The funeral rites were conducted on Saturday in accordance with Islamic traditions, with Qur’anic recitations filling the atmosphere as mourners gathered to pay their final respects to the late officer.
Rabe was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State while travelling for a wedding ceremony.
He reportedly died about two weeks after the kidnapping incident while still in captivity.
At the burial ground, emotions ran high as mourners wept openly, describing his death as a painful irony for a man who dedicated his life to serving and defending the country.
Residents of Katsina metropolis also expressed shock over the development, lamenting the worsening insecurity in the region and questioning the safety of citizens, including retired security personnel.
A community member, Dr. Sama’ila Balarabe, described the incident as a devastating loss, saying the late general served Nigeria faithfully and did not deserve such an end.
In a statement, the Defence Headquarters described Rabe as a committed officer who contributed significantly to counter-insurgency operations, adding that his legacy of service and patriotism would remain an example to serving personnel.
The military also assured that operations were ongoing to track down those responsible and dismantle terrorist networks across the country.
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