- Safiu Kehinde
Isyaka Rabe Abubabkar, son of late former Army spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar (Rtd), has refuted claims that his father died of complications related to diabetes at the kidnapper’s den.
As against the claim made by the Katsina State Government and widely reported as the cause of the former Defence Director of Information’s death, Isyaka alleged that his father died of snake bite at the bandit’s camp.
The middle-aged son of the late army general made this known in an interview rendered in Hausa with German media outlet Deutsche Welle (DW).
NPO Reported that Rabe had on Saturday passed away two weeks after being kidnapped alongside his wife in Katsina by suspected bandits.
Prior to his death, the bandits had released a video of his deteriorating health condition with his legs seen swollen.
While the symptom was widely considered complications of acute diabetes, Ishak maintained that his father was killed by a snake bite.
He also debunked reports claiming that his mother has been released.
According to him, the woman is still being held by the bandits.
However, Isyaka said the family was grateful to God in spite of their painful loss.
“We believe what happened to our father was destined by Allah.
“We believe he died a martyr and will be granted a place in Paradise,” Isyaka said.
He described his late father as a mentor, deeply religious man and humble personality who lived peacefully.
According to him, the former military officer dedicated his life to guiding others and showing kindness.
“If you did not know him, when you saw him, you will never know who he was.
“He was humble, peaceful and always willing to guide others,” the deceased’s son added.
Isyaka said his father’s simplicity often concealed his achievements and position in the military.
He explained that the family had continued to draw strength from their faith during the difficult period.
Meanwhile, the death of the former army spokesperson at the bandits’ den has further raised concerns over the worsening security situation in the country as he would become the fourth senior military officer whose death is linked to the insurgents.
Other three senior military officers whose death was caused by the insurgents include Brig. Gen. Oseni Omoh Braima, Maj. Gen Hassan Ahmed, and Brig. Gen. M. Uba.