Our father was not diabetic. He died from snake bite – Late General Rabe’s children counter Katsina government

One of the sons of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), Isyaka Rabe, has said his father had no history of diabetes or high blood pressure, contrary to claims attributed to the Katsina State Government.

The late general and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He later d!ed while in the custody of his abductors.

While announcing his d3ath, the Katsina State Government said the late general d!ed from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

Family members and other sources have maintained that he d!ed after being bitten by a snake while being held captive by the kidnappers. 

In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), Isyaka said reports suggesting that his father d!ed as a result of diabetes were inaccurate.

He said some people believed the late General might have d!ed from a snake bite, based on the last video released by the kidnappers.

However, he said only God knows the actual cause of his father’s d3ath.

While praying for the repose of his father’s soul, Isyaka described him as a deeply religious, peace-loving man who lived a simple life.

He added that the late general d!ed a hero.

When asked how the family received his father’s remains, Isyaka said he had no information on the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the body.

“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered. I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government,” he said.

Isyaka also disclosed that his mother, who was abducted alongside his father, remains in captivity, dismissing reports circulating on social media that she had been released.

“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the late general’s daughters, Adda Abubakar, had earlier posted on her X handle, @Addahaleem, that her father did not suffer from diabetes.

She insisted that a snake bite was the actual cause of his death.