By Chimezie Godfrey
Emotions ran high in Katsina on Sunday as a delegation from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) paid condolence visits to the family of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and the Katsina State Government following the tragic death of the senior military officer.
The delegation, led by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Abdullahi, conveyed the condolences of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) over the painful loss.
At the family residence, Major General Abdullahi described the late general as a patriotic officer whose decades of service to Nigeria left an enduring legacy within the military and the nation’s security architecture.
According to him, the Armed Forces remain committed to ensuring that those responsible for the retired general’s death are brought to justice.
“Major General Abubakar served the Nigerian Army and the nation meritoriously for over three decades. His years of dedicated service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Major General Abdullahi stated.
In a solemn moment during the visit, the delegation presented a national flag to the family in honour of the late officer’s service and sacrifice to the country.
Responding on behalf of the family, Alhaji Dikko Mu’azu Ruma expressed gratitude to the military leadership for standing with the family during their grief.
“On behalf of the entire family, the good people of Batsari Local Government Area and indeed Katsina State, we sincerely thank the Chief of Defence Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for standing by us, especially during this trying period,” he said.
The delegation also visited the Katsina State Government House, where Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe received them on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
The deputy governor described the death of Major General Abubakar as a loss not only to Katsina State but to Nigeria as a whole, noting that his commitment to national service would continue to inspire generations.
He called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to end terrorism and insecurity across the North-West and the country at large.
Major General Abdullahi, meanwhile, acknowledged the support of the Katsina State Government to ongoing military operations, emphasizing that sustained cooperation remains key to achieving lasting peace.
Special prayers were offered at both the family residence and the Government House for the peaceful repose of the late general’s soul.
The condolence visits were attended by serving and retired senior military officers, traditional rulers, family members and prominent sons of Katsina State.
DHQ Delegation Consoles Family of Slain Ex-General Rabe Abubakar, Vows Justice
