President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “strongly condemns” the tragic circumstances leading to the death of Alhaji Isa Bawa, the District Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State in the hands of bandits, his office said on Wednesday night.
This is just as the Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, expressed “deep shock and sadness” at the monarch kidnapped and killed by the bandits, lamenting the “escalating insecurity” in Nigeria.
Peter Obi said in his post on X: “I received with deep shock and sadness, the news of the brutal murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Bawa, who was kidnapped and killed by bandits after a ₦60 million ransom demand was not met.
“This incident highlights once again the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, where even a revered figure like the Emir can be subjected to such treatment.
“The unchecked killings have gone on for far too long, leading to this tragic point. I urge security agencies to intensify their efforts to address this growing menace.
“I sincerely commiserate with the family, the people of Gobir, Sokoto State, dastardly killing of the Sarkin Gobir. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannat al-Firdaus (paradise) as his final abode. –PO”
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, “describes the savage attack on the traditional ruler as deeply disturbing and a heinous act that will not go without a decisive response.
“The President extends his profound condolences to the bereaved family, the Gobir Emirate, and the government of Sokoto State.
“The President prays for the repose of the soul of the traditional ruler and comfort to his family at this difficult time.
“President Tinubu assures Nigerians that his administration is aggressively removing threats to ensure the security of the nation and that these desperate acts of terror will be effectively countered.”
Meanwhile, the son of Sokoto district head who died in captivity on Tuesday was released after the payment of ransom, his elder brother, Surajo Isa, confirmed to Daily Trust on Wednesday night.
Isa said the bandits collected N60 million and five motorcycles to secure the release.
“They came back from the bandits’ den around 8:30pm,” he said
He also confirmed that their father who died in captivity was buried by his abductors.
“This is what our brother told us after his release,” he revealed.
Confirming the development, Hon. Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, said Isa is currently receiving treatment at Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.
“Unfortunately, they have buried the remains of the late emir in the bush. We learnt that the Emir was buried in the morning.
“The late Emir’s son, Alhaji Kabir Isa is currently receiving treatment at Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto. It’s unfortunate that the Emir would not be seen again.”
The District Head of Gatawa in Sokoto State, Isa Muhammad Bawa, was abducted alongside his son and brother 25 days ago.
Written with additional report from Daily Trust