The family of a former Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar, has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the release of his corpse by bandits, describing the development as unclear and troubling.
The deceased’s son, Isyaka Rabe Abubakar, said the family had no knowledge of how his father’s remains were retrieved from his abductors before burial, hours after the Katsina State Government announced his death.
The retired Major General was abducted alongside his wife about two weeks ago in Katsina State. The state government had on Saturday disclosed that he died in captivity due to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
However, speaking during an interview with DW Hausa Service on Sunday, the deceased’s son faulted the official account, insisting that his father had no known history of the ailments cited.
He said, “When I announced the funeral prayer, many people asked how the body was recovered. I told them I had no information and that such questions should be directed to the government. I also want to know.”
Isyaka maintained that the family was left in the dark about the negotiations or arrangements that led to the release of the corpse, despite the swift burial conducted in Katsina on Saturday.
He also dismissed the government’s claim on the cause of death, suggesting alternative possibilities based on observations from a video seen by the family.
“Our father was not diabetic and did not suffer from hypertension. From what we saw, his leg was swollen. We suspect it could have been a snakebite or something else, but only God knows what truly happened,” he said.
The conflicting narratives have further deepened concerns over transparency in the handling of kidnapping cases in the state.
Meanwhile, the family also debunked reports that the late general’s wife, who was kidnapped alongside him, had regained her freedom.
“Whoever says our mother has been released is lying. She is still in captivity,” Isyaka stated, calling on the state government to intensify efforts to secure her release.
He appealed to authorities to act swiftly, noting that the family had already suffered a significant loss.
“As Muslims, we leave everything to God, but we urge the government to do more. Our father is gone; we are now waiting and praying for our mother’s safe return,” he added.
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