Sokoto Monarch Dies In Captivity After Pleading For Government Intervention

Sokoto Monarch Dies In Captivity After Pleading For Government Intervention

The District Head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, has reportedly died in captivity.

According to reports, bandits kidnapped the Sarkin Gobir along with his son and brother 25 days ago. The news of his death follows a distressing video released by the bandits, showing the traditional ruler in bloodstained clothes with his hands bound, pleading for government help as the ransom deadline had passed.

The tragic news was confirmed by multiple sources to Daily Trust on August 21, 2024. A Gatawa resident, Mahe Mukhtar, stated that the deceased’s office confirmed the death, and a condolence message was issued by the member representing Isa-Sabon Birni federal constituency. Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, the Magajin Garin Sabon Birni and a cousin of the victim, also confirmed the death, noting that it occurred around 5:53 pm.

Gwanda-Gobir explained that a prominent traditional ruler from Shinkafi had sent someone to negotiate with the bandits, only to find the monarch’s body. The representative informed the traditional ruler that no ransom should be sent since the Sarkin was already deceased.

Despite ongoing negotiations for the release of the monarch, his son, and his brother, Gwanda-Gobir reported that the family was misled by the abductors, who claimed the Sarkin could not speak due to illness. However, the family believed the abductors dictated what to say.

One source involved in the negotiations revealed that the monarch was not killed by the bandits but died from an illness. Another cousin said the bandits had even indicated where to collect the body.

Hon. Aminu Boza, representing Sabon Birni (North), disclosed that negotiations were in progress for a ransom of N60 million and motorcycles. However, the process was delayed due to specific motorcycle demands, and communication with the bandits had ceased unexpectedly.