The Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Bawa, who was abducted by armed gunmen at Kwanar Maharba area of Sokoto state has been killed by his captors.
Daily News 24 reports that Alhaji Bawa’s death was confirmed to news media outlets on Wednesday by the Magajin Garin Gobir, Alhaji Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, a kingmaker in the Gobir emirate.
A few days ago, a video clip had emerged showing the late Sarkin Gobir, apparently held at the den of terrorists pleading for his life and calling on the Sokoto state government to pay the ransom demanded by his captors in order to secure his release.
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In the viral clip, the traditional ruler had warned that the bandits threatened to kill him if their demand for ransom was not met.
While confirming Alhaji Bawa’s death, Alhaji Shuaibu told the Hausa service of DW that the terrorists had demanded over N60 million as ransom as well as five brand new motorcycles.
He added that while the emir’s family was making efforts to raise the amount, the state government reportedly offered to pay the ransom and free the late traditional ruler.
“But while efforts were being made to raise the payment and release the emir from captivity, we received information that he had been shot dead by the bandits on Tuesday evening,” he said.
“As a matter of fact, the delegation that was sent to negotiate his release saw his corpse lying on the ground at the bandits hideout”.
He explained however that the family has not yet received the body of the late traditional ruler.
Alhaji Shuaibu added that efforts are now ongoing to secure the release of one of the late emir’s sons Kabiru, who was also held by the bandits.
Another son of the emir, told BBC Hausa that Alhaji Bawa was ambushed at Kwanar Maharba in Sabon Birni local government area of Sokoto state while returning from a meeting in Sokoto city.
