We Buried Our Father Without Our Mother: Anger, Grief Trail Late General’s Family
Family members, relatives, and residents have raised alarm over the continued detention of the widow of late Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd.), who remains in the hands of bandits days after her husband died in captivity.
The retired General was abducted alongside his wife, Hajiya Amina, on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
His death in captivity has intensified public outrage over worsening insecurity and renewed questions about security spending and response effectiveness.
His children say the pain is still raw and unresolved. Khadija Rabe Abubakar said, “We buried our father without our mother by our side.” She added, “We are not asking for sympathy or special treatment. We are asking for responsibility.”
She further said, “Every delay tells Nigerians that human lives no longer matter,” as she appealed for urgent action to secure her mother’s release.
A community leader, Alhaji Halle Tudun Yanshanu, said rescuing the widow would be a fitting way to honour the late General’s service, insisting that public trust in government action is at stake.
Meanwhile, a family source said negotiations had once been attempted with the abductors.
The source said, “Six million naira was agreed upon, and one million naira was paid,” before the situation reportedly escalated when the kidnappers adjusted their demands.
Security experts and retired officers have also called for urgent intervention, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden criminal groups further and deepen national insecurity.
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