Emotions ran high in Katsina on Saturday as family members, friends, military personnel, government officials and sympathisers gathered to bid farewell to retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, whose death while in the custody of bandits has further heightened concerns over the country’s security situation.
The late military officer was buried at approximately 6:00 p.m. at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery, opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis, following funeral prayers attended by a large number of mourners.
Among those present at the burial were senior government functionaries, security chiefs, military officers, traditional leaders, political associates, relatives and well-wishers who came to pay their final respects.
The passing of the retired general has sparked renewed debate about the persistent threat posed by banditry and kidnapping, particularly in northern Nigeria, where communities continue to grapple with violent attacks and abductions.
Many mourners described the tragedy as a painful reflection of the insecurity confronting citizens across the region, noting that the death of a retired senior military officer in captivity underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to combat criminal activities.
According to them, the incident has intensified calls for decisive action against bandits and kidnappers whose operations continue to endanger lives and disrupt communities.
General Abubakar was reportedly travelling to his hometown with his wife when they were abducted by gunmen along the Katsina-Matazu Road on May 30, 2026.
Confirming the development, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, stated that the retired officer died in captivity after suffering complications related to diabetes and hypertension.
However, the explanation has been challenged by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), which insisted that the circumstances surrounding the retired general’s death cannot be separated from the insecurity that led to his abduction.
In a statement, CNG leader Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi argued that the late officer’s death was a direct consequence of the prevailing security challenges facing the nation.
“There is nothing natural about dying in the hands of bandits,” Charanchi said.
“A person abducted and held by criminals did not simply die of natural causes; such a death is rooted in the failure to guarantee the safety and protection of citizens,” he added.
He maintained that the death of a retired Major General in captivity raises troubling questions about the security of ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, if a former senior military officer could be kidnapped and lose his life while in captivity, the situation reflects the depth of the security crisis confronting the country.
Charanchi further described the incident as a stark indication of the challenges facing security agencies and authorities responsible for safeguarding lives and property.
Despite his criticism, he offered prayers for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
He also extended condolences to the bereaved family and urged leaders at all levels to intensify efforts toward addressing insecurity with commitment, sincerity and resolve.
“We pray that Allah grants Nigeria leaders who will confront insecurity with courage, honesty and dedication, so that no family will have to endure such a painful loss again,” he said.
