General Rabe not diabetic, son disputes govt claim
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A Nigerian general's son disputes the government's claim that his father died from diabetes and hypertension, suggesting a snake bite or heart attack instead.
- The son confirms his mother remains captive, refuting reports of her release, while the government confirms the general's death.
- The military pledges to intensify operations against criminals following the general's abduction and death.
The Katsina State Government's assertion that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar died from diabetes and hypertension complications has been strongly refuted by his son, Isyaka Rabe. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Isyaka stated that his father had no history of these conditions and suggested that a snake bite or a heart attack might have been the cause of death, though he ultimately deferred to divine knowledge.
Isyaka described his father as a deeply religious and peace-loving man who lived a simple life. He expressed uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding the recovery of his father's body, directing such inquiries to the government. Adding to the family's distress, Isyaka confirmed that his mother, abducted alongside the general, has not been released, contrary to social media rumors.
I truly donโt believe it was diabetes. In our view, it was a heart attack. If you look at it, his legs were restrained. Moreover, some people said that he was walking, and he didnโt die, so God knows, since only God is the knower.
The late general and his wife were kidnapped on May 30. Bandits later demanded the release of three detained fighters and the return of seized livestock for their freedom. The government confirmed Abubakar's death on Saturday, a loss President Bola Tinubu has mourned. The Defence Headquarters has vowed to pursue those responsible and other criminal elements.
Whoever says she (mother) has been released, I, Isyaka Rabe, son of Major General Rabe, I say that is a lie; she has not been released. Right now, she is still in their custody.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.