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Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has been laid to rest in Katsina State, two weeks after he was abducted by bandits and later died in captivity.
The burial, held on Saturday in accordance with Islamic rites, attracted family members, senior military officers, government officials and residents who gathered to pay their final respects to the former military officer.
General Rabe was abducted alongside his wife on 30 May along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
At the burial ground, mourners recited Qur’anic verses and prayed for the late officer, whose death has prompted renewed concerns over insecurity in the country.
Many attendees described the loss as painful, noting that the retired general had dedicated much of his life to defending Nigeria.
“This is a painful loss, not just to the family but to the entire state. He served this country faithfully, yet he died in such circumstances,” Dr Sama’ila Balarabe said.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the late General was described as a committed officer who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.
The military said his dedication to duty and national unity would remain a shining example to members of the Armed Forces.
It also assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to bring those responsible for the abduction and death of the retired officer to justice.
PRESS RELEASE
DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS MOURNS THE PASSING OF RETIRED MAJOR GENERAL RABE ABUBAKAR, REAFFIRMS RESOLVE TO ERADICATE TERRORISM
The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity… pic.twitter.com/UcRHeKyL9E
— DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DHQNigeria) June 13, 2026
Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail his death, with many Nigerians expressing concern about the country’s security challenges.
Across social media, several users questioned the safety of citizens, arguing that if a retired general could fall victim to bandits, ordinary Nigerians remain vulnerable.
Many also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime across the country.
