The Sokoto State Police Command has denied any knowledge of the alleged abduction of over 150 people in the Sabon Birni area, which reportedly occurred a few days after the murder of Sarkin Gobir Gatawa, Isa Muhammad Bawa. This denial comes after claims made by Professor Bello Bada of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, who stated in an interview with Radio France International (RFI) Hausa that these kidnapping incidents were recorded between the Emir’s death and the previous Friday.
Professor Bada noted that while attacks on prominent leaders are not unprecedented, this marks the first time an Emir has been killed in such a gruesome manner. He attributed the persistent banditry in the region to several underlying factors.
However, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ahmed Rufai, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, stated in a telephone conversation with our correspondent that the police have no record or knowledge of the alleged mass abductions. According to Rufai, the police can only confirm incidents that have been officially reported to them, and in this case, no such report has been filed.
Rufai acknowledged the severe security challenges facing the Sabon Birni area and other parts of the Sokoto East Senatorial District.
He noted that many residents are living under the constant threat of attack, which may deter them from reporting incidents to security agencies.
