By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
An investigation by Katsina Times has revealed that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, abducted by bandits on Saturday, May 30, is currently being held by a well-known bandit leader identified as Kachalla Muhammadu, who operates in the Matazu area.
Multiple sources confirmed to the newspaper that the attack was carried out by a bandit group known as KB near Zakin Baure village, close to Matazu town. During the assault, the assailants abducted the retired general along with his wife.
According to the sources, the kidnappers were initially unaware of General Abubakar’s identity. Their primary objective was to capture a senior government official or a wealthy individual to demand ransom.
After the KB group seized the couple, the general was handed over to Kachalla Muhammadu, who is now believed to be holding him at an undisclosed hideout.
Kachalla Muhammadu, a young man under 30 years of age, hails from Sayaya district in Matazu Local Government Area. He comes from a settlement known as Kogon Maidawa, where his parents and other relatives still reside.
In the past, Kachalla Muhammadu was among the bandits who accepted a peace agreement with the government. In an audio recording that once circulated on social media, he stated that since embracing peace, he had been working to protect communities in the local government areas of Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, and Charanchi from bandit attacks.
However, in the same recording, he expressed dissatisfaction with the peace deal after soldiers from Kano State raided the Jikamshi market, arresting some of his men and seizing his cattle. He alleged that despite his efforts, neither his men nor his livestock were returned.
Sources said the military raid was carried out without the approval of security agencies or the Katsina State Government. According to the reports, it was after this incident that Kachalla Muhammadu resumed launching severe attacks in the area. He is accused of leading an assault on Jikamshi town, which resulted in the loss of many lives.
Negotiations are currently ongoing with Kachalla Muhammadu to secure the safe release of the retired major general, sources confirmed.
Authorities in Katsina State have continued to take measures and hold consultations to address the deteriorating security situation and restore peace following this abduction and other recent challenges in the region.
