A former military general in Nigeria has reportedly died while in captivity, according to local media outlets, citing the country’s military and state government.
Abubakar was kidnapped along with his wife in Katsina state about two weeks ago by gunmen from a suspected kidnap-for-ransom gang, known locally as “the Bandits”.
what has the government said
According to a government statement issued by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the former defense spokesperson died of complications related to diabetes and high blood pressure.
The statement said that “despite tireless and concerted efforts…to secure his safe release, the situation ended in tragedy.”
AFP news agency quoted a security source as saying that Abubakar and his wife were traveling for a wedding when they were ambushed en route.
nigerian daily punch Last week it was reported that the kidnappers were demanding the release of the kidnapped couple, the release of three detained fighters and the return of cattle allegedly seized during security operations.
Nigeria’s security challenge
Katsina is one of several states in the northwestern and central parts of Nigeria where criminal gangs operate.
So-called bandits in Nigeria regularly attack villages, kidnapping residents for ransom and burning houses after looting.
Islamic extremist groups are also harassing remote parts of Nigeria.
Stock theft, kidnapping and extortion are often used as methods to fund armed groups and remain a challenge for law enforcement and security Nigerian authorities.
In the latest attack, gunmen killed at least 17 farmers working in their fields in northwestern Nigeria and wounded at least 13 others, according to a local official.
The attack took place on Friday in Goron Namaye town in Zamfara state.
In August last year, dozens of people were killed in Katsina state when gunmen attacked a mosque during an attack on a Muslim community.
Edited by: Jennifer Cimino Gonzalez