The recent reports in Sokoto State northern Nigeria have been deeply troubling. It has been confirmed that the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Bawa, who the bandits kidnapped, was killed on Wednesday, August 21.
This devastating news comes after earlier reports indicated that the traditional ruler had been captured by the kidnappers and was seen in a video pleading for the government to pay the ransom demanded by his captors. Tragically, it seems that these pleas fell on deaf ears as the kidnappers followed through on their threat to kill him when their demands were not met.
The Emir of Gobir was abducted while travelling home from a meeting in Sokoto town, highlighting the ongoing security challenges facing communities in this region.
In an interview with journalist Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, the Emir’s councillor confirmed this heartbreaking news. He stated that on Tuesday, August 20, the kidnappers had killed him and that those who went to negotiate found his body after evening prayers.
Reacting to the death of the monarch, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed sadness over the death of the Emir of Gobir in the kidnappers’ den.
Honourable Abbas in a statement by his media aide, Musa Krishi on Thursday, August 22, decried that the kidnap and treatment of the late emir were inhuman.
He said, “In the first place, the bandits’ kidnap of the traditional ruler was barbaric, their treatment of the late Sarkin Gobir as inhuman.”
The bandits had kidnapped the late District Head of Gatawa and his son on Saturday, July 29.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the insecurity and violence plaguing parts of northern Nigeria. The loss of such a respected and revered figure is not only devastating for his family and community but also shines a light on the urgent need for improved security measures to protect citizens from such heinous acts.
