An atmosphere of grief enveloped Katsina on Saturday as family members, friends, military personnel, government officials and sympathisers gathered to bid farewell to retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while being held by bandits.
The former senior military officer was buried at about 6:00 p.m. at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery, opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis, following funeral prayers attended by a large crowd of mourners.
Among those present were senior government officials, security chiefs, military officers, traditional rulers, political associates and members of the deceased’s family.
The burial came against the backdrop of growing concern over insecurity in northern Nigeria, with many mourners describing the general’s death as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by banditry and kidnapping across the region.
For many in attendance, the tragedy highlighted the vulnerability of ordinary citizens and prominent figures alike, despite ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
General Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, while travelling along the Katsina–Matazu road on his way to his hometown.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said the retired officer died in captivity after suffering complications related to diabetes and hypertension.
However, the explanation has sparked criticism from some groups.
Reacting to the development, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) said it rejected any suggestion that the retired general died a natural death.
“There is nothing natural about dying in the hands of bandits,” said CNG representative Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the general’s death point to a broader failure of security.
“A man who was abducted and held by criminals did not die a natural death. He died because the state failed in its responsibility to protect its citizens,” Charanchi said.
He argued that the death of a retired major general in captivity raises troubling questions about the safety of ordinary Nigerians.
“When even a retired major general can be kidnapped and die in captivity, what hope is there for the average citizen? This is a painful reflection of the security crisis facing the country,” he added.
Charanchi said the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger action against banditry and other violent crimes.
He also offered prayers for the deceased, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
The CNG leader further urged Nigerian leaders to confront insecurity with sincerity and determination.
“We pray that Allah blesses Nigeria with leaders who will address insecurity with honesty, courage and unwavering commitment so that no family will have to endure such a tragedy again,” he said.
