Late abducted retired major general, Rabe, buried in Katsina

Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, who died two weeks after being abducted by bandits, has been laid to rest in Katsina State.

The burial, conducted in accordance with Islamic rites, was attended by family members, senior military officers, government officials, and residents, many of whom described the occasion as solemn and deeply painful.

The late general was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

At the burial ground, Qur’anic recitations filled the air in honour of his years of service to the nation.

Mourners openly wept, with many describing his death as a tragic irony for a man who dedicated his life to defending Nigeria.

Residents across Katsina metropolis expressed shock and sadness over the incident, lamenting that insecurity continues to claim the lives of both civilians and former military personnel.

“This is a painful loss, not just to the family but to the entire state,” Dr. Sama’ila Balarabe said.

“He served this country faithfully, yet he died in such circumstances.”

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Defence Headquarters described the late Rabe as a committed officer who contributed immensely to counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria. It added that his dedication to duty and the unity of the country would remain a shining example for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The military also assured that efforts are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice and dismantle terrorist networks across the country.

Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the general’s death, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the country’s security situation.

Across social media platforms, citizens questioned the safety of lives, noting that if a retired general could die under such circumstances, it raises serious concerns about national security. They called on authorities to intensify efforts to curb terrorist activities nationwide.