One of the sons of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), Isyaka Rabe, has dismissed reports linking his father’s death to diabetes, insisting the family does not accept the official explanation given by the Katsina State Government.
Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle on Sunday, Isyaka said claims that his father suffered from diabetes were inaccurate.
He also noted that some people had speculated that the late general may have died from a snake bite, referencing a video reportedly released by kidnappers. However, he stressed that the true cause of death remains unknown to the family.
“I truly don’t believe it was diabetes. In our view, it was a heart attack. If you look at it, his legs were restrained. Moreover, some people said that he was walking, and he didn’t die, so God knows, since only God is the knower,” he said.
Isyaka described the late general as a devout and peace-loving man who lived a simple life, adding that he “died a hero.”
He also said the family was not aware of the exact circumstances under which his father’s remains were recovered.
“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.
Isyaka further revealed that his mother, who was abducted alongside his father, is still in captivity, countering social media reports claiming she had been released.
“Whoever says she has been released, I, Isyaka Rabe, son of Major General Rabe, I say that is a lie; she has not been released. Right now, she is still in their custody,” he said.
Maj Gen Rabe, a former Army spokesperson, was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, in Katsina State. He was later confirmed dead, with the state government attributing his death to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
