Gen Rabe’s Son Rejects Diabetes Claim, Says Mother Still in Captivity

One of the sons of late Major General Rabe Abubakar, Isyaka Rabe, has dismissed claims that his father died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension, insisting that the retired military officer had no known history of either condition.

Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), Isyaka challenged reports attributed to the Katsina State Government which stated that the late general died while in captivity as a result of diabetes-related complications.

According to him, members of the family were unaware of any medical condition that could have led to such a conclusion.

“Our father was not diabetic,” he said, adding that the family did not believe the explanation offered by authorities regarding the cause of death.

Isyaka disclosed that some people suspected his father may have died after being bitten by a snake, citing information contained in the last video released by his abductors. However, he noted that only God truly knows the exact circumstances surrounding the retired officer’s death.

While praying for the repose of his father’s soul, Isyaka described him as a humble, deeply religious and peace-loving individual who lived a simple life despite his military accomplishments.

“He died a hero,” he said.

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 while in the custody of his captors.

Isyaka also revealed that his mother, who was kidnapped alongside his father, remains in captivity, contrary to reports circulating on social media suggesting she had regained freedom.

“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released,” he stated.

He further explained that the family was not informed about the circumstances under which the late general’s body was recovered.

“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people asked how the body was recovered. I told them I did not know and that such questions should be directed to the government,” he said.

Earlier, one of the late general’s daughters, Adda Abubakar, had also rejected the government’s explanation, maintaining that her father did not suffer from diabetes and suggesting that a snake bite was responsible for his death.

The conflicting accounts have continued to generate public interest as authorities pursue those responsible for the abduction.