General Rabe death has continued to generate controversy following fresh statements from family members disputing official accounts of the circumstances surrounding his passing while in captivity.
One of the sons of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), Isyaka Rabe, has dismissed claims that his father suffered from diabetes or high blood pressure. He insisted that reports linking the retired military officer’s death to underlying health conditions were inaccurate.
Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), Isyaka said the family was unaware of any medical history suggesting that the late general suffered from diabetes. His remarks come after the Katsina State Government announced that the retired officer died from complications associated with diabetes and hypertension while being held by kidnappers.
According to Isyaka, speculation persists that his father may have died after a snake bite. He said the belief was influenced by information contained in the last video reportedly released by the abductors.
However, he acknowledged that only God knows the true cause of death.
While reflecting on the General Rabe death, Isyaka described his father as a devoted Muslim, a peace-loving individual, and a man who lived a modest life despite his distinguished military career.
He said the late officer died a hero and deserved to be remembered for his service to the country.
Addressing questions about how the family recovered his father’s remains, Isyaka said he had no details regarding the circumstances surrounding the retrieval 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.
The family also provided an update on the fate of the late general’s wife, who was abducted alongside him on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Contrary to reports circulating on social media, Isyaka stated that his mother remains in captivity.
“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released,” he said.
The General Rabe death debate intensified after one of his daughters, Adda Abubakar, publicly challenged the official explanation offered by authorities. Posting on her X account, @Addahaleem, she maintained that her father did not suffer from diabetes and insisted that a snake bite caused his death.
Family members and other sources have continued to support that position, arguing that the retired military officer died after being bitten by a snake while being held by his abductors.
The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the exact circumstances surrounding the former general’s death. While government officials maintain that health complications were responsible, relatives continue to reject that narrative.
For many observers, the incident highlights the continuing security challenges facing communities in northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom remain a persistent threat.
As the family mourns the retired officer, attention remains focused on securing the release of his wife and clarifying the circumstances that led to his death while in captivity.
