… bandits collect ransom to free his son
Abducted Emir of Gobir in Gawata town of Sokoto state, Isah Bawa, 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.”
READALSO: Blood-stained Sokoto emir begs for rescue from bandits in video
When contacted, Ahmad Rufai, police spokesperson, said the family of the district head was yet to report his death at the station.
Despite monarch’s death, bandits collect ransom to free his son
The son of Sokoto district head who died in captivity on Tuesday has been released after the payment of ransom.
His elder brother, Surajo Isa, confirmed this on Wednesday night. He said th,e bandits collected N60 million and five motorcycles were given to secure their 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.
However, news of his death broke on Wednesday. Multiple sources confirmed the development to our correspondent.
A resident of Gatawa, Mahe Mukhtar, said the death was confirmed by the office of the deceased and there was a condolence message from the member representing Isa-Sabon Birni federal constituency.
Cousin of the victim, who is the Magajin Garin Sabon Birni, Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, also confirmed his death to our reporter.
“It is true that Sarkin is dead. He died yesterday around 5:53pm,” he said
According to him, a prominent traditional ruler in Shinkafi called and informed them about his death.
“The traditional ruler sent someone to the bandits’ den to further negotiate the release of the monarch, his son and brother.
“Upon arrival, he saw the dead body of Sarkin lying on the ground. He then isolated himself from the bandits and called the traditional ruler that no money should be sent because Sarkin is dead.
“Our brothers and one of our uncles were about to go and deliver the money as well as the motorcycles demanded by the bandits but the traditional ruler asked us not to let them go because our monarch is dead,” he said.
