Sokoto monarch dies in bandits’ den

The abducted District Head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto state, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, has died while in the captivity of criminal bandits.

The news of his death was disclosed on Wednesday, 21 of August, 2024 by one of his sons, who noted that the family had been informed of the unfortunate development.

Alhaji Bawa was kidnapped nearly a month ago.

Recall that in a video which recently went viral, the 74-year-old paramount ruler, who has been in captivity for 22 days, was seen in a blood-stained white cloth, with his hands tied behind his back.

The monarch spoke directly to the camera as he appealed to the public and the government to save his life.

The lawmaker representing Sabon Birni at the State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, confirmed the authenticity of the video, stating that the person depicted is indeed the District Head, Bawa.

The transcription of the Hausa spoken by the Bawa reads, “I am informing my relatives, well-wishers, friends, and leaders that today (Wednesday) is the final day, therefore if they want to assist me, they should do so now. I swear to the Almighty Allah that even they (the bandits) are tired because they too did their best but there is nothing from the government.”

Bawa before his death, was in the traditional institution for over 45 years.

Bandits considered him as a big fish as they first fixed a ransom of N1 billion for him. After some time the criminal elements reduced it to N500 million.

Bawa was abducted with his son and younger brother at Kwanan Maharba along the Goronyo-Sabon Birni road while returning from Sokoto.

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