Kidnapped Nigerian retired general dies in captivity
News
A retired Nigerian army general who had been kidnapped by gunmen in the country’s north-west has died while being held captive, the military has said.
Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, who had a high-profile job as military spokesman between 2015 and 2017, was abducted with his wife while travelling in Katsina state last month.
No group has said it was behind the kidnappings.
Details
The abduction and death of Abubakar highlights the continuing security challenges facing parts of north-west Nigeria, where criminal gangs known locally as “bandits” frequently carry out kidnappings for ransom, as well as cattle rustling and attacks on rural communities.
The Katsina state government said Abubakar died from natural causes.
The state’s Internal Security and Home Affairs Commissioner, Nasiru Mu’azu, expressed regret over what happened, despite what he called “the relentless and concerted efforts” of both the state government and various security agencies to secure the general’s safe release.
Analysis
“The retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” he told reporters while expressing his condolences.
Meanwhile, the late soldier’s family has called on the authorities to intensify efforts to rescue his wife, who is still with the kidnappers.
Abubakar’s daughter, who spoke to the BBC, said the death of the retired military officer has placed the family in unbearable pain.
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