Katsinatimes
A retired Nigerian army major general who was abducted by armed bandits in northwestern Katsina State has died while in captivity, the Katsina State government said on Friday.
In a statement issued by the state's Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, authorities said retired Major General Rabe Abubakar died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension while being held by his captors.
The government said security agencies, in collaboration with state authorities, had made sustained efforts to secure his release before his death.
"His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country," the statement said.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and described the incident as a "dark moment," calling for intensified efforts to combat armed criminal groups operating in the region.
Northwestern Nigeria has witnessed a surge in kidnappings and attacks by armed gangs, commonly referred to as bandits, who frequently target communities, travellers and prominent individuals for ransom.
The Katsina State government said it would continue working with federal authorities and security agencies to bring those responsible to justice and strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.
Major General Abubakar was a respected military officer whose death has drawn sympathy from government officials and residents across the country.This version follows Reuters conventions by emphasizing verified facts, attributing statements, avoiding emotional language, and providing broader context on insecurity in northwestern Nigeria.
