Bandits kill Sokoto monarch after 3 weeks in captivity

Bandits have killed the District Head of Gatawa in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Isa Bawa, in captivity.

The monarch was abducted by bandits in the Kwanar Maharba area of Sokoto while returning from an event three weeks ago.

It was gathered that the traditional ruler was killed by his abductors on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

This was disclosed by the Magaji of Gatawa, Shuaibu Gobir, on Wednesday, August 21.

Gobir, in an interview with BBC Hausa, said Bawa’s body had yet to be recovered, adding that they are currently working on rescuing the son who was kidnapped alongside the traditional ruler.

He said: “The information I received is that the gunmen shot him on Tuesday after the Asr prayer and those who went to negotiate the ransom saw the emir’s body lying on the ground.

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“On Tuesday morning, the leader of the kidnappers called and inquired about the ransom. When they asked to speak with the emir, he replied that the emir was warming himself by the fire.

“When Kabiru was contacted, he confirmed that the emir was there warming himself, but he kept pleading for the ransom to be paid to secure their release.”

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of the monarch.

Tinubu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, described the killing of Bawa as disturbing and a heinous act that would not go without a decisive response.

The president extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the Gobir Emirate, and the Sokoto State Government.

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the traditional ruler and comfort to his family.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would remove threats to ensure the security of the nation, adding that desperate acts of terror would be effectively countered.

The Star