The wife of the former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), has been set free by her captors.
Her release came after her husband died in captivity two weeks after they were abducted in Katsina State.
It was gathered from a reliable source that Mrs Abubakar has been released alive to Katsina State Government while her husband’s body has been transported to Kaduna for burial.
“Just got information that the bandits have handed over the corpse of Major General Rabe Abubakar to Katsina State government alongside his wife (who’s alive) and the corpse is on the way to Kaduna for burial later today,” the source said.
Announcing the retired officer’s death, Katsina State Government said he died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, described the incident as a tragic loss despite efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure the general’s freedom.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity. Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy,” the statement read.
“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at-large. The Governor has described this incident as a ‘dark moment’ and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”
The retired officer and his wife were kidnapped around the Matazu area of Katsina State while travelling to attend a wedding ceremony.
Days after the abduction, the couple appeared in a video released by their captors, who demanded the release of three detained associates identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock allegedly seized from them.
In the video, Abubakar’s wife appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to facilitate compliance with the demands in order to secure their release.
The retired general also spoke briefly in the footage, calling for peace and dialogue, while noting that the abductors had expressed interest in peaceful coexistence.
The Defence Headquarters has since condoled with the bereaved family, vowing to ensure terrorism is eradicated
