One of the sons of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), Isyaka Rabe, has challenged claims that his father died from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension, insisting the retired military officer had no history of either condition. The family’s latest comments have added a new dimension to discussions surrounding the Gen Rabe death and the circumstances of his final days in captivity.
Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), Isyaka described reports attributing his father’s death to diabetes as inaccurate. He said the family had never known the late general to suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure during his lifetime.
According to Isyaka, some people believe the retired army officer may have died from a snake bite, citing the last video reportedly released by his abductors. However, he acknowledged that the exact cause of death remains uncertain.
“Only God knows the actual cause of his father’s death,” he said while praying for the repose of the late general’s soul.
He described his father as a deeply religious and peace-loving individual who lived a simple life and served the country with dedication. He added that the late military officer died a hero despite the circumstances surrounding his death. Addressing questions about how the family recovered the remains of the deceased, Isyaka said he had no knowledge of the process.
“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 said.
Isyaka also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that his mother had regained freedom. He maintained that she remains in the custody of the kidnappers.
“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released,” he stated. The issue has continued to draw public attention as relatives seek clarity following the Gen Rabe death and the continued detention of his wife.
Earlier, one of the late general’s daughters, Adda Abubakar, posted on her X account, @Addahaleem, rejecting claims that her father suffered from diabetes. She maintained that a snake bite caused his death while he was being held by abductors. Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The retired officer later died while in captivity.
When announcing the Gen Rabe death, the Katsina State Government stated that he died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension. However, family members and other sources have continued to dispute that account, maintaining that a snake bite was responsible for his death while he was being held by kidnappers.
The conflicting narratives surrounding the retired general’s death have renewed calls for greater transparency in investigations involving kidnapping victims. The case has also highlighted continuing concerns over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria and the plight of individuals still being held by criminal groups.
While the Katsina State Government maintains that Major General Rabe Abubakar died from diabetes and hypertension-related complications, members of his family continue to reject that explanation. As debate over the circumstances of the Gen Rabe death continues, relatives are also seeking the safe release of his wife, who they insist remains in captivity.
