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By Ojomah Austin.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed profound sadness over the passing of a member of the House, Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo, describing his demise as shocking.

The lawmaker, who represented the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, passed away on Friday evening in Abuja after a brief illness, six days before his 63rd birthday. He was the Chairman of the House Parliamentary Friendship Group with the United Arab Emirates.

Speaker Abbas, in a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Saturday, described the late Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo as a committed lawmaker who represented his constituents with zeal and served the country with patriotism.

The Speaker recalled Hon. Yaya Tongo’s invaluable contributions to deliberations on the floor of the House, noting that his passing has created a vacuum.

Speaker Abbas noted that though it is painful to lose a colleague of Hon. Tongo’s standing, the House finds solace in the fact that he lived a life worthy of emulation.

The Speaker extends heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Gombe State, particularly the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency.

He prayed to Allah (SWT) to have mercy on the soul of the late lawmaker, forgive his mistakes, and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has finally confirmed the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), while in the captivity of bandits in Katsina State.

The DHQ, in a statement on Saturday, signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said all efforts were put in place to rescue the retired officer before his death, but unfortunately, it was not successful.

Uba conveyed the condolences of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to his family, his colleagues and all Nigerians.

The statement also recalled the meritorious service by Abubakar to Nigeria through the military, adding that the late officer served with distinction.

The DHQ noted that his death has strengthened their resolve to dislodge every bandit, terrorist and criminal across the nation, adding that they will pay for their actions.

It added that no public statement was made earlier about his abduction due to ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies.

The full statement reads, “The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) convey its deepest sympathies to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and all Nigerians. Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the AFN as Director Defence Information. He made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the AFN and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts. His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN.

“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return.

“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens.

“In response to series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation.

“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorists activities across the nation are held to account.”

Recall that on May 30, 2026, Abubakar and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, were ambushed and abducted by suspected armed bandits while travelling in a Peugeot 406 near Zakin Baure village in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Their driver survived the attack after sustaining gunshot injuries.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while being held captive by bandits, describing the development as a devastating loss to both the state and the nation.

In a statement signed by Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, Commissioner Internal Security and Home Affairs., the government said it received news of the retired military officer’s passing with “a heavy heart and deep sense of loss”.

According to the statement, the late General died while in captivity despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his freedom.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits captivity. Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy,” the statement said.

The government disclosed that the retired Major General died of natural causes linked to underlying health conditions.

“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” it added.
Officials described his death as a significant national loss, noting that his passing extends far beyond the grief of his immediate family.

“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country,” the statement noted.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda extended condolences to the bereaved family and the nation, lamenting the circumstances surrounding the former General’s death.

The governor described the incident as a “dark moment” and a reminder of the need for stronger collective action against insecurity.

According to the statement, Governor Radda said the tragedy underscores “the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.”

The Katsina State Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling banditry and bringing those responsible for the abduction to justice.

“The Katsina State Government remains committed to working with the Federal Government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken,” the statement added.

The government also offered prayers for the late military officer and support for his grieving family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”
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