Isa Bawa
By Abdullahi Abubakar
The District Head of Gatawa in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Isa Bawa, in captivity has been killed by Bandits.
The monarch was abducted in the Kwanar Maharba area of Sokoto while returning from an event three weeks ago.
It was gathered that the traditional ruler was executed 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.
“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.”
Also Idris4Peace stated via X that the monarch was killed over his Inability to pay one billion naira ransom. He stated this on Wednesday afternoon, stating that bandits released a harrowing video showing the leader pleading for his life and desperately appealing to the government for assistance.
The post read; “Sarkin Gobir, a traditional leader in Sokoto, was executed by deadly armed bandits after being abducted, tortured, and dehumanised.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raajiun. According to @bbchausa, Sarkin Gobir is confirmed dead. May Allah forgive his soul and punish his abductors.
And to the government of Sokoto and particularly Gov. @Ahmedaliyuskt, weldone! It’s now over. If you tried your best, God knows. If… pic.twitter.com/9feXCOKuE5
— UncleAnass (@UncleAnass) August 21, 2024
“The bandits released a video showing the leader pleading for his life and appealing to the government for help.”
The Emir and his son were kidnapped in July at the Kwanar Maharba area while travelling from Sokoto to his home town, Sabon Birni, the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government of Sokoto State.
“The bandits on sighting the Emir’s vehicle, started shooting guns which resulted in the tires of the vehicle bursting, and the driver losing control of the car. This forced the car to suddenly stop,” Gobir, one of his sons had said.
“The bandits abducted the district head and his driver who happens to be his biological son.”
The abductors few days after the incident requested the sum of N1 billion as ransom for the release of the victims.
In the video released online, the monarch speaking in the Hausa language narrated how they were kidnapped by the terrorists.
He said their lives are in danger in the hands of their abductors, adding that they had been suffering in the forests where they are currently held.
Pleading for help, he urged the government to urgently come to their rescue.
Also in the video, one of the gunmen could be heard speaking in Hausa, dictating to the victims what to say.
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.
