Emotions ran high on Saturday evening as family members, friends, military personnel, government officials, and sympathisers gathered in Katsina State to bid a final farewell to retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, whose death while being held by bandits has renewed concerns about the growing insecurity across Nigeria.
The late military officer was laid to rest at approximately 6:00 p.m. at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery, situated opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis. Funeral prayers attracted a large crowd of mourners who came to honour the memory of the respected soldier and former senior military officer.
Among those who attended the burial were senior government officials, security commanders, military officers, traditional leaders, political associates, family members, and numerous well-wishers who paid their last respects to the deceased.
The burial took place against the backdrop of increasing public anxiety over persistent incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and violent crimes across northern Nigeria. Many observers described the retired general’s death as a painful reflection of the country’s ongoing security crisis.
For several mourners present at the cemetery, the circumstances surrounding General Abubakar’s death highlighted the vulnerability faced by citizens despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat criminal activities across the region.
According to those who spoke during the burial proceedings, the tragedy has intensified calls for stronger and more decisive measures to address the menace of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity threatening communities throughout northern Nigeria.
General Abubakar was reportedly travelling to his hometown when he and his wife were abducted by armed criminals along the Katsina–Matazu road on May 30, 2026.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, disclosed that the retired officer died while in captivity due to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
The announcement generated mixed reactions, with some groups insisting that the broader circumstances leading to his death should not be overlooked.
Reacting to the development, a representative of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, strongly disagreed with descriptions suggesting the retired general died a natural death.
According to Charanchi, the fact that General Abubakar died while being held by criminals means his death was directly connected to the prevailing security situation in the country.
“There is nothing natural about dying in the hands of bandits,” Charanchi said.
“A man abducted from his home or along the road and held captive by criminals did not die a natural death—he died because the state failed in its most sacred responsibility: protecting the lives and property of its citizens,” he stated.
The CNG leader argued that the death of a retired military officer of General Abubakar’s stature raises serious concerns about the safety of ordinary Nigerians who may not have access to the same resources and support networks.
“When even a retired major general can be kidnapped and perish in captivity, what hope remains for ordinary Nigerians? This tragedy is a damning indictment of the worsening insecurity ravaging our nation. No amount of official wording can whitewash this painful reality,” he said.
Charanchi further maintained that the incident reflects deeper security challenges confronting the country and called on authorities to intensify efforts aimed at protecting lives and restoring public confidence.
Despite his criticism, he offered prayers for the late general, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
He also extended condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength and comfort during this difficult period.
In addition, Charanchi urged political leaders and security authorities at all levels to approach the fight against insecurity with sincerity, courage, and commitment to ensure similar tragedies do not continue to occur.
“We pray that Allah blesses Nigeria with sincere, courageous and compassionate leaders who will confront insecurity with honesty, determination and unwavering commitment, so that no family will have to endure such a tragedy again,” he added.
The death of General Abubakar has continued to generate reactions across the country, with many Nigerians describing it as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address the security challenges affecting communities nationwide.
