EXCLUSIVE: How General Rabe Abubakar’s body was recovered after death in captivity

Contradictory accounts have emerged regarding the recovery of the body of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted with his wife on May 30th in Katsina State, Nigeria. The Katsina State Government announced his death in captivity, citing complications from diabetes and hypertension. However, Abubakar's family has strongly disputed this official cause of death, asserting that the retired general had no prior history of these medical conditions.

The circumstances surrounding the body's handover are also a source of confusion. One security source, speaking anonymously, stated that kidnappers directed state government officials to a location near the Karaduwa community to retrieve the body. This source described a clandestine handover process where an ambulance was directed to a specific spot, and the body was delivered by the kidnappers on motorcycles after the ambulance driver turned the vehicle around. The kidnappers reportedly instructed those present not to touch the body until they had departed.

“

They said they did not want any security presence.

This account is partially corroborated by another anonymous source from the area, who claimed the body was found dumped near a sawmill in Karaduwa by locals. This version suggests that locals discovered the remains and subsequently notified security personnel, who then transported the body to Katsina under military escort. However, PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify either of these accounts, and military authorities have not publicly commented on the specifics of the recovery.

The ongoing abduction of Mr. Abubakar's wife adds another layer of distress to the situation. The conflicting narratives surrounding the general's death and the recovery of his remains have deepened the controversy and raised questions about the credibility of the official statements. The family's insistence on disputing the cause of death highlights a significant point of contention.

“

Near the area where they have machines used for cutting wood for people who buy and sell, that was where it was dumped.