Today, Katsina buried a retired General who was abducted by bandits and died in captivity. Yet, some officials want the public to believe it was merely a “natural death.”
What is natural about being kidnapped by terrorists? What is natural about spending days or weeks in captivity under the control of armed criminals? If General Rabe Abubakar had not been abducted, would he have died under those circumstances?
This narrative is not only disappointing, it is deeply insulting to every family that has lost a loved one to banditry across Katsina State. It diminishes the pain of victims, ignores the reality of insecurity, and sends a dangerous message that the consequences of terrorism can simply be explained away.
The issue is not just how General Rabe died. The issue is that a respected military officer was taken by bandits in the first place and never returned alive. That is the tragedy. That is the failure. That is what should concern every citizen.
Katsina deserves honesty, accountability, and a government that stands firmly with victims of terrorism. Calling this a “natural death” only adds salt to an already painful wound.
May Allah grant General Rabe Abubakar eternal rest and comfort his family in this difficult time.