Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) and his wife, who were abducted by armed bandits along the Karaduwa–Matazu Road in Katsina State, have appealed for government intervention to secure their release.
The couple appeared in a video released by their abductors, showing them in captivity and relaying messages from the kidnappers regarding their demands.
In the four-minute video circulated on social media, the wife of the retired senior military officer stated that the abductors were demanding the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru. She also said the group insisted on the return of livestock allegedly confiscated from them by authorities.
According to her, two of the detained individuals were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was arrested in Kano State. She appealed to the Katsina State Government and relevant local authorities to consider the demands in order to secure the safe return of the hostages.
The retired general also spoke briefly in the video, calling for peaceful engagement and urging efforts toward dialogue, suggesting that the abductors were open to negotiation and non-violent resolution.
No ransom demand was mentioned in the released footage.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official response to the video or the demands made by the abductors.
It was gathered that the retired general, his wife, and their driver were ambushed while travelling along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area. Armed attackers reportedly blocked the road near Zakin Baure village and opened fire on their vehicle, injuring the driver before taking the couple away.
Security concerns remain high in the area, with ongoing efforts expected to focus on locating and rescuing the victims while tracking the armed group responsible for the attack.
