By Katsina Times Investigations Desk
Multiple sources have confirmed to Katsina Times that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by armed bandits on Saturday, May 30, is currently being held by a notorious bandit leader in the Matazu area known as Kachalla Muhammadu.
According to the sources, a group of bandits commonly known as KB carried out the attack near Zakin Baure village, close to Matazu town, where they kidnapped Rabe Abubakar and his wife.
The sources stated that the kidnappers did not know the identity of Rabe Abubakar at the time of the abduction. Rather, they had launched the attack in the hope of capturing a senior government official or a wealthy individual for ransom.
Reports indicate that after the KB group abducted him, he was subsequently handed over to Kachalla Muhammadu, who is now believed to be keeping him in captivity at one of his hideouts.
Kachalla Muhammadu is a young man believed to be under 30 years of age. He is from Sayaya District in Matazu Local Government Area and hails from a settlement known as Kogon Maidawa, where his parents and other family members still reside.
In the past, Kachalla Muhammadu was among those who accepted a peace agreement with the government. In an audio recording that previously circulated on social media, he claimed that since embracing the peace process, he had been working to protect communities in the local government areas of Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, and Charanchi from bandit attacks.
In the same recording, he said he began losing confidence in the peace agreement after soldiers from Kano State allegedly raided Jikamshi Market, arresting some of his associates and seizing his cattle. He complained that neither his men nor his livestock were returned despite his efforts.
Sources further alleged that the military operation was conducted without the knowledge or authorization of security authorities or the Katsina State Government.
According to the sources, it was after that incident that Kachalla Muhammadu resumed carrying out violent attacks across the area. He has been accused of leading an attack on Jikamshi, which reportedly resulted in multiple deaths.
Our sources confirmed that negotiations are currently ongoing with Kachalla Muhammadu in an effort to secure the safe release of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.
The sources also stated that since the abduction and other security challenges in the area, officials of the Katsina State Government have remained actively engaged in consultations and other measures aimed at addressing the security situation and restoring peace.
Note: The claims in this report are based on information provided by sources and allegations attributed to those sources. Independent verification may be required for some of the assertions made.
