The Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa and his son have been kidnapped by gunmen along the Sokoto-Sabon Birni Road of Sokoto State.
The abductors, however, were requesting the sum of N1 billion as ransom for the release of the victims.
Another source disclosed that an additional five persons had been kidnapped in the Sabon Birni area over the weekend.
Sokoto Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Ahmed Rufa’i who confirmed the attack said operatives were investigating the incident.
A son of the victim, Alhaji Isa Gobir, who broke the news to journalists, narrated that the district head was ambushed at the Kwanar Maharba area while travelling from Sokoto to his home town, Sabon Birni, the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government of Sokoto State.
Gobir said, “The bandits on sighting the Emir’s vehicle, started shooting guns which resulted in the tires of the vehicle bursting, and the driver losing control of the car. This forced the car to suddenly stop.
“The bandits abducted the district head and his driver who happens to be his biological son.”
He appealed to the government to do everything possible to ensure the release of the victims from the bandits’ den.
Sources in Sabon Birni added that the incident has sparked outrage and concerns among residents, who are calling on authorities to expedite action to release the district head and his subjects.
