Our Dad Not Diabetic, Died From Snakebite; Mum Still With Terrorists –Kidnapped Late General Rabe’s Family
The children of the kidnapped Nigerian Army former Director of Publicity, the Late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), have countered narratives that their father died from diabetes and high blood pressure complications as put forward by his native Katsina State Government.
Rabe’s son, Isyaka Rabe, and one of the General’s daughters, Adda Abubakar, denied the official cause of death.
Isyaka also disclosed that his mother, who was abducted alongside his father, remains in captivity, dismissing reports circulating on social media that she had been released.
“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released,” he said.
Adda posted on her X handle, @Addahaleem, that her father did not suffer from diabetes.
She insisted that a snake bite was the actual cause of his death.
The late General and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
He later died at the weekend while in the captivity of his abductors.
However, in announcing his death, the Katsina State Government said the General died from complications relating to diabetes and hypertension.
But family members and other sources have maintained that he died after being bitten by a snake while being held captive by the kidnappers.
In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), Isyaka said reports suggesting that his father died as a result of diabetes were inaccurate.
He said some people believed the General died from a snake bite, based on the last video released by the kidnappers.
While praying for the repose of his father’s soul, Isyaka described him as a deeply religious, peace-loving man who lived a simple life.
He added that the General died a hero.
When asked how the family received his father’s remains, Isyaka said he had no information on the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the body.
“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.
