By Harriet Tornguvan
A delegation from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), led by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General I.M. Abdullahi, has paid condolence visits to the family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.) and the Katsina State Government following the retired senior officer's tragic death.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the delegation visited Katsina on Sunday to convey the condolences of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General O.O. Oluyede, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to the bereaved family as well as the government and people of Katsina State.
During a visit to the family residence, Major General Abdullahi described the late General Abubakar as a dedicated and patriotic officer who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities throughout his military career.
He noted that the deceased made significant contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army and the country's security architecture, adding that his service and sacrifice would remain a source of inspiration for serving and future generations of military personnel.
"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," Abdullahi stated.
The Army chief assured the family that the Armed Forces and other security agencies would spare no effort in ensuring that those responsible for the late General's death are brought to justice. He also pledged the military's continued support to the family during the difficult period.
As a mark of honour for the deceased's service to the nation, Major General Abdullahi presented a National Flag to the family.
Responding on behalf of the family, the Gado da Masun Katsina, Alhaji Dikko Mu'azu Ruma, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for standing by the family in its moment of 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.
He described death as an inevitable reality and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late General's soul.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the Katsina State Government House, where they were received by the Deputy Governor, Mallam Faruk Lawal Jobe, on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
Conveying the CDS' message, Major General Abdullahi expressed sympathy to the governor, government and people of Katsina State over the loss of one of the state's distinguished sons.
In his remarks, the deputy governor described the death of Major General Abubakar as a painful loss not only to Katsina State but to the entire nation.
He said the late officer's dedication to national service and commitment to the security of the country would continue to inspire future generations.
Jobe called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to tackle prevailing security challenges and eliminate the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements across the country. He also reaffirmed the Katsina State Government's support for military and security operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the North-West.
Major General Abdullahi, in turn, commended the state government for its sustained support to the military in the fight against terrorism and other security threats, stressing that cooperation between the military and government authorities remains crucial to achieving lasting peace and security in the region.
Special prayers were offered at both the family residence and the Government House for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar.
Members of the delegation included the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General W.B. Idris; the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General B.P. Koughna; Rear Admiral A.M. Haruna; Air Vice Marshal A.Y. Abdullahi; Major General J.S. Bindawa (retd.); Brigadier General S.K. Usman (retd.); and Air Vice Marshal I.S. Kaita (retd.).
Family members, traditional rulers and other prominent sons of Katsina State were also present during the condolence visits.This version follows a standard newspaper format with a strong headline, lead, attribution, and balanced reporting style.
