Retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe, who was abducted along a road in Katsina State two weeks ago, has reportedly died while in captivity.
According to reports, Rabe was kidnapped on May 30 while travelling to Katsina alongside his wife, Amina Abubakar, and their driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu.
The trio was reportedly ambushed by armed assailants along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area.
Sources familiar with the incident said news of the retired military officer’s death emerged exactly two weeks after the abduction.
Details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.
Security agencies in the state have yet to issue an official statement confirming the development.
The abduction had generated concern among residents and security stakeholders, given Rabe’s status as a retired senior military officer.
Katsina State, like several states in Nigeria’s North-West region, has witnessed recurring incidents of banditry, kidnappings and attacks on travellers in recent years.
Efforts by security agencies to combat the activities of armed criminal groups have continued, with authorities intensifying operations in affected communities.
Meanwhile, family members and associates of the deceased retired officer were said to be awaiting further details regarding the incident.
The reported death has renewed concerns over insecurity on major roads and in rural communities across parts of the state.
Further details are expected as authorities provide updates on the case.
