- Tinubu says: “General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents.”
Former Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd), who died two weeks after he was kidnapped by bandits has been laid to rest in Katsina, his home State.
His body was released by the abductors on Saturday afternoon and subsequently taken for burial.
The funeral prayer was led by Imam Kabir and attended by hundreds of sympathisers, family members, friends, and well-wishers.
The Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe, led the state government’s delegation at the funeral.
Also in attendance were senior military officers from the 35 Battalion, Natsinta Barracks, Katsina.
Following the burial, a special prayer session was held at Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas Mosque, where worshippers prayed for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and eternal rest for the deceased retired General.
General Abubakar was abducted by bandits alongside his wife, along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, on May 30.
At the burial ground, Qur’anic recitations filled the air in recognition of his years of service to the nation.
Mourners openly wept, with many describing his death as a tragic irony for a man who dedicated his life to defending Nigeria.
Residents across Katsina metropolis expressed shock and sadness over the incident, lamenting that insecurity has continued to claim the lives of both civilians and those who once served in uniform.
“This is a painful loss, not just to the family but to the entire state,” one Dr Sama’ila Balarabe said. “He served this country faithfully, yet he died in such circumstances.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as expressed shock over the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar, commiserating with his family, especially his wife, who is still being held against her will by the captors.
He also extended his condolences to the Katsina State government and the armed forces.
President Tinubu said that “while the terrorists have done their worst, the President wants them to know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies.
“As I said on June 12: “Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.
“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.
“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared.”