The family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd) has disputed claims that he died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension, insisting that the retired military officer had no history of either ailment.
Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), one of his sons, Isyaka Rabe, said reports linking his father's death to diabetes were inaccurate and did not reflect the family's understanding of the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to him, some people believe the late general may have died after suffering a snake bite while in captivity, citing a video reportedly released by his abductors before his death.
He, however, noted that only God knows the actual cause of death.
"My father was not diabetic and did not suffer from high blood pressure," Isyaka maintained, adding that the family could not conclusively determine what led to his death.
He described the late military officer as a humble, deeply religious and peace-loving man who lived a simple life and remained committed to serving humanity throughout his lifetime.
"My father died a hero," he said while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Isyaka also disclosed that the family had no information about how the late general's remains were recovered following his death in captivity.
He explained that after announcing arrangements for the funeral prayer, many people contacted him seeking details about the recovery of the body.
"When I announced the time for my father's funeral prayer, several people asked me how his body was recovered. I told them I had no information and that such questions should be directed to the government," he said.
The family member further dismissed reports circulating on social media that the late general's wife, who was abducted alongside him, had regained her freedom.
According to him, the retired officer's wife remains in the custody of the kidnappers.
"Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released," he stated.
His comments came as one of the deceased general's daughters, Adda Abubakar, also rejected claims that her father suffered from diabetes.
In a post on her X account, @Addahaleem, she insisted that a snake bite was responsible for his death while in captivity.
Major General 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 senior military officer later died while being held by his abductors.
Following the announcement of his death, the Katsina State Government stated that he died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
However, members of his family and other sources have continued to challenge that account, maintaining that he died after allegedly being bitten by a snake while in captivity.
The circumstances surrounding his death and the continued captivity of his wife have continued to generate public concern, with many calling for intensified efforts to secure her release and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.
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