Abducted Sokoto traditional ruler killed after three weeks in captivity

Isah Bawa, the Emir of Gobir in Gawata town of Sokoto state, has been reportedly killed by bandits.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Shuaibu Gobir, the Magaji of the town, said they received the news of the emir’s death on Tuesday.

The traditional ruler was abducted at the Kwanar Maharba area in Sokoto while returning from an event three weeks ago.

Earlier, in a viral video, the traditional ruler was shown tied up by his abductors, pleading with the state government to pay the ransom to the bandits for his release.

“My brothers and sisters, friends, and the state government, I am informing you that I have reached the deadline today. I am pleading with you all to help me,” the traditional ruler said.

“These people (bandits) are tired of us and have done their best to ensure the government intervened in my situation, but nothing has been done.

“I am 74 years old, and I have served the government for over 40 years.”

Gobir said the bandits killed the district head on Tuesday.

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

He said the body of the Emir had not been recovered yet, adding that they are currently working on rescuing the son who was kidnapped alongside the traditional ruler.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

When contacted, Ahmad Rufai, police spokesperson, said the family of the district head was yet to report his death at the station.