The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the abduction and murder of the Emir of Gobir, His Highness Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, describing the situation as heinous and tragic. The group said the act is not only an attack on the monarch and the revered traditional institution but a grave assault on the collective conscience of the society, adding that it is totally unacceptable and must never be repeated.
The CNG in a statement by the national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, in Abuja also strongly lambasted the Sokoto State Government for what it called its despicable, nonchalant and lackadaisical attitude toward the handling of the plight of the late emir which led to his unfortunate murder in the hand of the bandits.
It said this depicts manifest incompetence and utter demonization of their cultural and religious heritage from the government that is supposed to promote preservation of their tradition and pedigree.
“The CNG is deeply concerned that the Government has failed to prioritize the security and well-being of its people, instead choosing to entangle security issues and traditional institutions in the web of political maneuvering.
“The CNG notes that the governor must confine politics to its proper domain and refrain from extending it to critical areas such as security and the preservation of our royal institutions. It is apparent that the government is placing politics above governance and, more disturbingly, above the lives of the people.
“The CNG observes that the governor has clearly surrendered the monarch to the bandits particularly after the emergence of the emir’s video in the most dehumanized and humiliated manner pleading for his life and freedom only for the governor to turn a blind eye. The consequent carefree of the government depicts the highest form of irresponsibility that even an animal kingdom can envy.
“The CNG decries that although there were incidents of abductions of traditional rulers particularly in Zamfara, this abominable murder remains the most devastating that has sunk the collapse of our security into the ditch of despair,” the statement reads.
The CNG extended its heartfelt sympathies and condolences “to the emirate and good people of Gobir; to the good people of Sokoto; to the Sokoto Sultanate and the Sultan; to the traditional institutions and the entire people of northern Nigeria and the country at large. This is a colossal loss that pains throughout our nation and serves as a reminder on the urgent need for decisive action.”
The CNG further expressed its deepest commiseration to all the people and their families who have been killed, victimized or affected by the senseless murders.
“For those still languishing in the bandits’ den, it is absolutely repugnant with human civility for anyone to live under such cruel circumstances. We pray that May Almighty God would save them from captivity across varied vast expanse of criminal hideouts in the North.”
The CNG strongly charged the Police, the Department of State Security (DSS) and other relevant security personnel to thoroughly investigate the alleged sponsor of the abduction and the murder of the monarch, saying this is necessary to unravel the truth behind the allegation and hold those responsible accountable.
The CNG called on governments at all levels to recommit themselves to genuinely addressing the security challenges that have plagued their region and rendered them hopeless, saying the protection of lives and property must be the top priority, and every effort must be made to restore peace and stability to northern communities.
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