Sokoto, Nigeria – The Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, has been brutally killed by terrorists just days after appearing in a harrowing video pleading for government intervention. The traditional ruler was abducted, tortured, and dehumanized before his tragic death.
The news of Bawa’s death was confirmed by Idris4Peace on social media on Wednesday afternoon. The post highlighted the shocking video released by the terrorists, showing the district head pleading for his life and desperately calling on the government for help.
Bawa, along with his son, was kidnapped in July while traveling from Sokoto to his hometown, Sabon Birni, which is the headquarters of the Sabon Birni local government area of Sokoto State. The attack occurred near the Kwanar Maharba area, where the terrorists opened fire on the Emir’s vehicle, causing the tires to burst and forcing the car to stop. The bandits then abducted Bawa and his son, who was also his driver.
Following the abduction, the terrorists demanded a ransom of N1 billion for the release of the victims. In the video released by the gunmen, the Sarkin Gobir, speaking in Hausa, described the dire conditions they were enduring in captivity and pleaded with the government to come to their rescue. The video also featured one of the gunmen dictating to the victims what to say.
The brutal killing of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Sokoto State and the urgent need for government intervention to address the escalating violence.