Suspected bandits have killed Isah Bawa, the Emir of Gobir in Gawata town, Sokoto State, after spending three weeks in their captivity.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Shuaibu Gobir, the Magaji of the town, said they received the news of the emir’s death on Tuesday.
Bawa was said to have been abducted at the Kwanar Maharba area in Sokoto, while returning from an event.
Before the news of his death, the gunmen had released a video in which the traditional ruler was tied up, appealing to the state government to pay the ransom to his captors for his release.
“My brothers and sisters, friends, and the state government, I am informing you that I have reached the deadline today. I am pleading with you all to help me,” the traditional ruler said.
“These people (bandits) are tired of us and have done their best to ensure the government intervened in my situation, but nothing has been done.
“I am 74 years old, and I have served the government for over 40 years.”
Gobir said the bandits killed the district head on Tuesday.
“The information I received is that the gunmen shot him yesterday [Tuesday] after the Asr prayer, and those who went to negotiate the ransom saw the emir’s body lying on the ground,” he said.
He said the body of the Emir had not been recovered yet, adding that they are currently working on rescuing the son who was kidnapped alongside the traditional ruler.
“On Tuesday morning, the leader of the kidnappers called and inquired about the ransom. When they asked to speak with the emir, he replied that the emir was warming himself by the fire,” he added.
“When Kabiru was contacted, he confirmed that the emir was there warming himself, but he kept pleading for the ransom to be paid to secure their release.”
