Isyaka Rabe, son of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in bandits’ captivity, has rejected claims that his father’s death was caused by complications from diabetes.

Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle Hausa on Sunday, Isyaka said reports suggesting that the retired officer died as a result of diabetes were incorrect. The Katsina State Government had earlier stated that the former general was living with diabetes and high blood pressure before his death.

However, Isyaka insisted the family does not accept that explanation.

“Our father was not diabetic and did not suffer from hypertension. People have different opinions about what happened,” he said.

He added that the family suspects the death may have resulted from a snakebite or another injury, pointing to a video allegedly released by the abductors in which the retired general’s leg appeared swollen. According to him, the exact cause of death remains unclear.

Isyaka also said the late general was a devout, peaceful, and humble man who lived a modest life and “died a hero.”

When asked about how the family recovered the body, he said he had no information about the circumstances surrounding its release, adding that such questions should be directed to the authorities.

He further dismissed social media claims that his mother, who was abducted alongside his father in May, had been freed.

“As I speak, she is still in their custody,” he said, noting that any contrary reports were false.

The retired Major General and his wife were kidnapped in Katsina State while travelling in May. He later died in captivity, a development confirmed by the military authorities.

Following his death, the Defence Headquarters pledged to intensify operations against armed groups responsible for attacks and abductions across the country.

He was buried on Sunday in Katsina amid renewed calls for stronger security action and the release of his wife, who remains in captivity.