As usual, President Bola Tinubu has vowed to decisively crush terrorists in the country in the wake of the abduction and killing of Alhaji Isa Bawa, the District Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
The monarch, who was abducted along Sokoto – Sabon Birni Road while returning from an event many weeks ago, could not be rescued by security agencies despite constant contact with the family for ransom they were unable to raise.
There was no word from the president or the Sokoto government since the abduction until his tragic death on Wednesday, which has received widespread condemnation over the spate of kidnapping and killing across the country.
His abductors at the corridor that has become very dangerous owing to frequent kidnappings showed the deceased in a 59-second viral video, where he was tied up and was pleading with the state government as well as well-wishers to come to his rescue.
No rescue came until his tragic end.
A statement after his death by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, who conveyed the president’s message as he is in France, described “the savage attack on the traditional ruler as deeply disturbing and a heinous act that will not go without a decisive response.”
Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the “heinous act of violence perpetrated by bandits resulting in the untimely demise of such a revered leader,” which he said “is a stark reminder of the pressing need for enhanced security measures in safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.”
Atiku decried the “failure of the government to show concern or devise effective security strategies” which he said “has undoubtedly contributed to the escalation of such distressing events in recent times.”
He emphasised that “it is important to reiterate that the government must provide security that will ensure the protection of lives, such that individuals do not have to live in fear of falling victims to senseless acts of violence.”
On his part, Peter Obi who was the presidential running mate to Atiku in 2019 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party or PDP said he “received with deep shock and sadness, the news of the brutal murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Bawa, who was kidnapped and killed by bandits after a ₦60 million ransom demand was not met.”
He said the “incident highlights once again the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, where even a revered figure like the Emir can be subjected to such treatment.”
According to Obi who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, “The unchecked killings have gone on for far too long, leading to this tragic point.
“I urge security agencies to intensify their efforts to address this growing menace.
“I sincerely commiserate with the family, the people of Gobir, Sokoto State, about the dastardly killing of the Sarkin Gobir. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannat al-Firdaus (paradise) as his final abode,” Obi said in his statement.