Former Army spokesman, Rtd. Major General Rabe Abubakar, has died in the custody of bandits.
Confirming the news, Katsina state government descibed the incident as a tragic loss to the state and the nation.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, and made available to journalists.
The government said the retired military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
According to the statement, several efforts were made by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, but the attempts were unsuccessful.
The statement read, “The Katsina State Government, with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, wishes to inform the general public of the tragic passing of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in the 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 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.”
