General Rabe’s Son Directs Unanswered Questions To Governor Radda Over Father’s Death
OpenLife Nigeria reports that the family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has demanded explanations from the Katsina State Government, headed by Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, over the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the former military officer’s body, questioning how his corpse was retrieved while his wife remains in the custody of armed bandits.
Speaking in an interview conducted in Hausa with DW Hausa, the deceased’s son, Ishaka Rabe Abubakar, dismissed reports claiming that his mother had regained freedom, insisting that she is still being held captive by her abductors.
Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife, Amina, were abducted on May 30 while travelling along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Katsina State. The couple was reportedly attacked by armed bandits near Zakin Baure village in Matazu Local Government Area, during which their driver sustained gunshot injuries.
The retired military officer’s death sparked widespread reactions, with conflicting accounts emerging over both the cause of his death and the circumstances under which his body was recovered.
Addressing questions over how his father’s remains were retrieved, Ishaka said the family had no answers and urged Nigerians to seek clarification from the Katsina State Government.
“Many people saw the announcement that the funeral prayer would be held at six o’clock. People then asked me, ‘How was the corpse brought back?’ I replied that I cannot answer that question. Rather, the government should be asked about it. Even I myself would like to know how the corpse was brought,” he said.
Introducing himself during the interview, he said: “My name is Ishaka Rabe Abubakar. I am the son of General Rabe Abubakar who was kidnapped and later answered Allah’s call.”
Speaking on how the family received news of the retired general’s death, Ishaka said they had accepted the development as the will of God and believed that his father died as a martyr.
“Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), we have faith in Allah. We believe that he died as a martyr (shahid). We are certain that, God willing, he will receive Allah’s mercy and reward forever,” he said.
He described his father as a humble, religious and peace-loving man who maintained cordial relationships with those around him.
“I can testify that my father was a good man, a believer and a religious person. I am proud of that. Everyone knows that my father never harmed anyone. Alhamdulillah, he lived peacefully with everybody. Whenever he came among people, no one would think of him as someone arrogant or hostile,” Ishaka stated.
Since news of the retired general’s passing emerged, some reports had attributed his death to diabetes-related complications, while others suggested he may have died following a snakebite.
Responding to the controversy, Ishaka rejected claims that diabetes caused his father’s death, saying available indications pointed more towards a snakebite.
“The truth is that it was not diabetes that caused this illness. In our view, it was most likely a snakebite because a snakebite could explain the marks and the condition seen on his leg,” he said.
“As for the reports from others saying that he was walking around while ill, Allah knows best, since Allah alone has full knowledge of what truly happened.”
Asked to deliver a message to government authorities following the tragedy that befell his family, Ishaka said leadership comes with responsibility for the welfare and protection of citizens, although the family was not directly accusing the Katsina State governor of involvement in the incident.
“As for the government, we do not place ourselves between a person and Allah. Just as no one should tell us otherwise, we should not pass judgment concerning someone’s relationship with Allah. Allah responds directly to anyone who has been wronged and who calls upon Him for justice,” he said.
“We are not saying that the governor personally did this or that he is directly responsible for what happened. However, he is the governor. Whoever is given leadership is regarded as a father, a mother and a guardian of the people.”
Delivering a direct message to the Katsina State governor, Ishaka added: “My direct message to the governor is: May Allah continue to guide and watch over him. And as for us, we are waiting for our mother.”
Source: Tribune
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