Conflicting accounts have emerged over how the body of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar was recovered after he died while being held by kidnappers in Katsina State, raising fresh questions about the circumstances surrounding his death and the recovery of his remains.
Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Days later, the Katsina State Government announced that the retired military officer had died in captivity, attributing his death to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.
However, members of his family have challenged the government's explanation, insisting that he had no history of either condition.
As debate over the cause of death continues, uncertainty has also surrounded how his body was recovered from the kidnappers.
A security source familiar with the incident said the abductors contacted government officials and directed them to a location near Karaduwa community, where the body was allegedly handed over before being transported to Katsina.
According to the source, an ambulance was sent to the area after communication with the kidnappers, who reportedly instructed officials not to bring security personnel to the location.
The source said the ambulance crew was directed to a point near Karaduwa Bridge and told to turn the vehicle around toward Matazu. The kidnappers later arrived on motorcycles carrying the body and handed it over before leaving the area.
The remains were subsequently taken to Matazu and later conveyed to Katsina under military escort, the source added.
However, another account from the area differs significantly.
A separate source claimed that the body was abandoned near a sawmill in Karaduwa and later discovered by local residents. According to this version, residents alerted security personnel after finding the remains, prompting authorities to recover the body and transport it to Katsina in an ambulance accompanied by soldiers.
Neither account has been independently verified, and military authorities have yet to publicly comment on the circumstances surrounding the recovery operation.
The uncertainty has left the family seeking answers.
Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), one of the late general's sons, Isyaka Abubakar, said the family had not been informed about how the body was recovered.
He said many people had asked him about the circumstances of the recovery following the announcement of his father's funeral prayer, but he had no information to offer.
"I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government," he said.
Isyaka also questioned how the body was recovered while his mother, who was abducted alongside his father, remains in captivity.
"I myself want to know how the body was recovered without rescuing her," he said.
The family has also dismissed reports suggesting that Mrs Abubakar has regained her freedom.
According to Isyaka, she remains in captivity, and efforts to secure her release are ongoing.
The official explanation for the retired general's death has also come under scrutiny.
While the Katsina State Government said he died from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension, his son insisted that his father did not suffer from either illness.
His daughter, Adda Abubakar, previously made a similar claim on social media, rejecting reports that diabetes contributed to his death.
Family members have also referenced speculation that the former military officer may have died from a snake bite, citing the last video released by the kidnappers. However, no evidence has been presented to support the claim, and the actual cause of death remains unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, the military has launched a fresh operation in parts of Katsina State following the retired general's abduction and death.
The Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA announced the commencement of Operation CLEAN SWEEP III in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities, including Karaduwa.
According to the military, troops have carried out clearance operations targeting locations identified as terrorist and bandit hideouts as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and improve security in the area.
Abubakar's death in captivity has drawn national attention and renewed concerns about the persistent threat of kidnapping and armed banditry across parts of northern Nigeria.
Although the retired general has since been laid to rest, questions remain over both the circumstances of his death and how his body was eventually recovered while his wife continues to be held by his abductors.
