Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) who died two weeks after he was kidnapped by bandits has been laid to rest.
The burial, conducted in Katsina in accordance with Islamic rites, drew family members, senior military officers, government officials and residents, many of whom described the occasion as both solemn and deeply painful.
The retired General was abducted by bandits alongside his wife, along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, on May 30.
At the burial ground, Qur’anic recitations filled the air in recognition of his years of service to the nation.
Mourners openly wept, with many describing his death as a tragic irony for a man who dedicated his life to defending Nigeria.
Residents across Katsina metropolis expressed shock and sadness over the incident, lamenting that insecurity has continued to claim the lives of both civilians and those who once served in uniform.
“This is a painful loss, not just to the family but to the entire state,” one Dr Sama’ila Balarabe said.
“He served this country faithfully, yet he died in such circumstances.”
In a statement on Saturday, the Defence Headquarters described late Rabe as a committed officer who contributed immensely to counter-insurgency operations in the country, saying his commitment to duty and unity of Nigeria would continue to remain shining example for all personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The military assured that efforts were ongoing to bring the perpetrators of the act to justice and dismantle all terrorist network in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, reactions have trailed the death of the retired General, with many Nigerians expressing concerns over the country’s security situation.
Across social media platforms, netizens questioned the safety of citizens if a general could die the late Rabe’s way, calling on authorities to intensify efforts in decimating terrorist activities across the country.
