Leaders of Northern Nigeria have expressed grave concern over the activities of kidnappers who have been targeting traditional rulers.
This is as the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) yesterday condemned the abduction and subsequent murder of the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa.
A statement by the spokesperson of the forum, Abdulazeez Suleiman, said the appalling act -perpetrated by bandits – stands not only as a breach of the sanctity of traditional institutions but also as a stark manifestation of the underlying chaos that pervades certain regions in Northern Nigeria.
LEADERSHIP reports that NEF’s pronouncement reflects a deep-seated outrage that resonates with the collective sensibilities of the northern populace, who hold their traditional leaders in high regard.
NEF said the Emir of Gobir’s killing represents more than a mere loss of life; it is a profound attack on cultural heritage, a disregard for customary authority, and a grim reminder of the rampant insecurity that has plagued much of Northern Nigeria.
“This act is both heinous and ruthless and an affront to the reverence traditionally afforded to emirs and the values underpinning the region’s social fabric.
“Traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria symbolise stability, guidance, and communal identity. Their abduction and brutal killing thus send shockwaves through society, unsettling the already fragile trust between the people and the institutions meant to protect them.”
The NEF expressed its condolences to the Sultan of Sokoto, the family of the deceased emir, and the people of Gobir,
It called for justice and demanded that all relevant stakeholders, including government authorities and security agencies, take decisive steps to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
It averred that allowing such criminals to escape unpunished would only embolden them, exacerbating the cycle of violence and instability that has become all too common in the region.
It went on: “The criminal acts perpetrated by bandits are not isolated incidents; they form part of a worrying trend of violence and lawlessness that has engendered fear and insecurity in Northern Nigeria. The alarming frequency of kidnappings, robberies, and related atrocities has left communities in a state of despair.
“The killing of a prominent figure like the Emir of Gobir signifies a troubling turning point in this trajectory of violence, one that threatens to erode the foundational pillars of respect, dignity, and authority that traditional leaders embody.
“Moreover, this tragedy calls for a comprehensive reevaluation of the security architecture in Northern Nigeria.”
NEF said the time had come for policymakers to address the root causes of insecurity, which include economic disenfranchisement, rampant poverty, and poor governance, adding that a mere reactive approach, primarily characterised by military interventions, is insufficient to tackle such deep-seated issues.
“Instead, a holistic strategy that encompasses community engagement, economic development, and education must be prioritised to empower local populations and sow the seeds of resilience against criminal influences,” it said.
The NEF called on civil society and community leaders to play their critical roles in finding sustainable solutions to rampant violence by increasing public awareness, fostering community solidarity, and collaborating with security forces in the fight against crime and lawlessness.
“The abduction and murder of the Emir of Gobir serves as a tragic emblem of the crisis facing Northern Nigeria—a crisis that calls for immediate and sustained attention from government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions, and civil society alike,” it added.
NEF insisted that that the perpetrators of the heinous crime must not go unpunished, and that rigorous efforts should be made to restore peace and security in the region.
Killing Of Sokoto Monarch Deeply Disturbing – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the tragic circumstances leading to the death of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Isa Bawa, the District Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, described the savage attack on the traditional ruler as deeply disturbing and a heinous act that will not go without a decisive response.
The President extended his profound condolences to the bereaved family, the Gobir Emirate, and the government of Sokoto State.
The President prayed for the repose of the traditional ruler’s soul and for comfort for his family at this difficult time.
President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration is aggressively working to ensure that terrorism is effectively contained.
Speaker Abbas Sad Over Death Of Sarkin Gobir In Kidnappers’ Den
Similarly, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the death of the traditional leader, Isa Muhammad Bawa, in kidnappers’ den.
Abbas, in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Musa Krishi, said the bandits’ abduction of the traditional ruler was both barbaric and inhuman.
The speaker decried the continuous kidnapping for ransom in the country, stating that it was unacceptable.
Abbas expressed his condolences to the family of the late Sarkin Gobir, the Gateway District in Sabon Birni Local Government, the people and the government of Sokoto State over the irreparable loss.
He prayed to God to have mercy on the soul of the late Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa and make Jannatul Firdaus his final abode.
Gov Aliyu, Senators Wamakko, Tambuwal Mourn District Head of Gatawa
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has urged security agencies in the state to intensify efforts to secure the state at all times and ensure that the killers of the late district head of Gatawa, Alhaji Isa Muhmmed Bawa, are fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.
The governor, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the family, the people of Sabon Birnin local government area and the entire people of the state over the passing away of the late monarch after his kidnappers gruesomely murdered him, described the circumstances leading to the demise of the late monarch as very unfortunate, barbaric, inhumane, and condemnable.
In a similar vein, Senators Aliyu Wamakko and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal have described the death of the district head of Gatawa as shocking and unfortunate.
In separate statements from their media offices, the duo vehemently condemned the heinous act and urged the authorities to swiftly apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Governor Aliyu described the monarch as pious, upright, honest, and a peace-loving personality who dedicated his life to serving his people and humanity.
The governor reiterated that his administration is doing a lot and will continue to use all available resources to end banditry. He appealed to the state’s people to support security agencies with relevant information to nip banditry in the bud.
Senator Wamakko, who represents Sokoto North Senatorial District, condoled with the family members and the entire people of Sabon Birnin local government over the incident and said the unfortunate incident that occurred was a barbaric and cowardly act of the bandits which must not go unpunished.
On his part, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, Sultanate Council of Sokoto, and the people of Gatawa and Sabon Birnin local government area during this difficult time.”
He prayed that Allah would grant His Royal Highness’s soul eternal peace and that his legacy of selfless service would continue to inspire future generations.
On his part, Senator Shehu Sani said it is time for the people of northern Nigeria to sit down and come up with a solution to security and terrorism.
Sani said, “If all they want to do is to enter the forest, then it is supposed to be done. No weapon is more potent than the word of martyrdom.”
Gatawa Youths Protest Killing Of District Head
There was palpable tension across the Sabon Birnin local government area of Sokoto state on Thursday as youths of the Gatawa community protested over the gruesome killing of their traditional ruler, Isa Muhammad Bawa, by suspected bandits.
The district head was reportedly killed before the ransom demanded by the bandits could get to them on Wednesday.
Aminu Boza, the lawmaker representing Sabon Birnin North local government in the state House of Assembly, confirmed his death to our correspondent on Wednesday evening.
He said the team dispatched to deliver the ransom of N60 million and five motorcycles demanded by the bandits were told he was dead when they arrived at the criminals’ hideout.
Shortly after the funeral prayer was held in his honour in Gatawa town on Thursday, some youths of the community immediately embarked on protest, singing anti-government songs.
They alleged that the state government did not do enough to ensure the monarch returned to his family safely.
They also pointed accusing fingers at some political leaders, especially those from the local government, alleging that they purposely allowed the district head to suffer at the hands of the kidnappers before he was killed.
The district head had, in a video released a few days before he was pronounced dead on Wednesday night, appealed to the state government, friends and well-wishers to save him from being killed.
In a 59-second video released by the bandits, the 74-year-old monarch begged for his release from the hands of his abductors.
He said, “I want to call on my people, my lovers, my friends, and my leader to know that it has reached the end today, Wednesday.
“So if they want to help me, they should do so; I swear to Allah, these people, too, are tired of us; they have done all they could, but the government did not help us.
“I have been appealing to the government to help me, but they didn’t, and I am their worker. Over the years, I have been working for the state government.”
When contacted about the protest, the spokesman of the Nigerian Force, Sokoto State command, ASP Ahmed Rufai, said the command was on top of the situation.
He said, “We have prepared ahead for this as it was revealed through intelligence. In the morning, when the funeral prayer was about to be conducted, the command dispatched a tactical team from four local governments close to Sabon Birnin to join the team in the local government.
“We are already taking control of the protests to ensure it doesn’t lead to a crisis.”
Further efforts to speak with the lawmaker representing the local government in the state house of assembly, Aminu Boza, were unsuccessful, as his number was not reachable when filing this report.
…ACF Calls For Thorough Investigation
The apex northern sociocultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has expressed sadness at the news of the callous murder of Sarkin Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa, the District Head of Gatawa, Sokoto State.
ACF recalled that the traditional ruler, together with his son, were abducted on Saturday, August 18, 2024, by bandits who demanded a huge ransom.
In a statement issued by the national publicity secretary, Prof T A Muhammad-Baba, the forum said it understands that while efforts were being made to meet the ransom demands, the bandits got impatient, subjected the traditional ruler to torture and eventually murdered him.
ACF expressed hope that the incident will not worsen inter-communal harmony in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, saying such a reaction will affect innocent persons who will pay the price for the action of the tiny group of murderous miscreants.
ACF extended its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased traditional ruler, as well as to the Sokoto State Government, the Sokoto Sultanate Council, and the Council and people of Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
ACF also called for calm and enjoined the Government of Sokoto State, security agencies, traditional rulers and thought leaders to move swiftly to calm frayed nerves and ensure that the gory incident does not lead to further breakdown of law and order.
“While further details of the dastardly act are being awaited, ACF calls for thorough investigations into the circumstances of the sordid incident. It is total. ACF also reiterates its call, for the umpteenth time, for a thorough review and overhaul of Nigeria’s national security architecture so that the scourge of banditry and terrorism is most effectively terminated”.
ACF averred that the current approach is yet to yield the needed results.
“Indeed, incidents such as the murder of the traditional ruler as well as other abductions in recent times, are poignant pointers to the fact that the problem is spreading and must be truncated before it cripples the country.
“For now, Arewa, in particular, is on its knees. The federal government must act swiftly to restore peace and the people’s trust and confidence,” it stressed.
