The District Head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, has tragically died in captivity.
Bandits had abducted the traditional ruler, along with his son and brother, 25 days ago.
This heartbreaking news comes just days after a distressing video surfaced, showing the monarch in a bloodied state with his hands tied behind his back. In the video, the traditional ruler made a desperate plea for government assistance, as the kidnappers’ ransom deadline had expired.
“I am seeking the help of the government. I am their servant, and I have served them for 74 years, including 45 years in government service,” the monarch stated in the video, his voice filled with anguish. “I have always been in the service of the government, and it is the government’s responsibility to help me.”
In the video, one of the gunmen can be heard speaking in Hausa and dictating what the victims should say
Multiple sources confirmed the sad news to Daily Trust on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. A resident of Gatawa, Mahe Mukhtar, said the deceased’s office had confirmed the death, and there was a condolence message from the member representing Isa-Sabon Birni federal constituency.
The victim’s cousin, Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, who is also the Magajin Garin Sabon Birni, confirmed the death to the publication. “It is true that Sarkin is dead. He died yesterday around 5:53pm,” he said.
According to Gwanda-Gobir, a prominent traditional ruler in Shinkafi informed them about the death. The traditional ruler had sent someone to the bandits’ den to negotiate the release of the monarch, his son, and brother.
“Upon arrival, he saw the dead body of Sarkin lying on the ground. He then isolated himself from the bandits and called the traditional ruler, asking him not to send any money because Sarkin was dead,” Gwanda-Gobir explained.
He added that the family had been trying to communicate with the monarch, but his abductors kept telling them he could not talk due to a catarrh. However, they were able to speak with his son, Kabiru, who was also in captivity. Kabiru said his father was in isolation due to illness, but it is believed that the bandits had dictated what he should say.
One of the persons privy to the negotiation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the monarch had not been killed but had died from an ailment. “They would not kill him because they don’t want to miss the huge amount of money they put on his head,” he said.
Another cousin of the monarch, who also spoke anonymously, said the bandits had even told them where to pick up his corpse.
Hon. Aminu Boza, member representing Sabon Birni (North), said negotiations for the monarch’s release had been underway when the news of his death broke. “We had agreed on N60m and brand new motorcycles as ransom. What delayed the delivery was the specification of the motorcycles demanded, which are popularly known as Boko Haram,” Boza said.
“We had gotten the motorcycles today, but unfortunately, the bandits did not call the person they were communicating with. They normally call twice a day; 8am and 5pm, but today, they have not called throughout,” he added.
