A Sokoto state monarch has lost his life in the den of his abductors despite efforts to get him released.
The District Head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, has reportedly died in captivity.
It was reported that bandits abducted Sarkin Gobir alongside his son and brother 25 days ago.
The sad development is coming a few days after bandits released a distressing video showing the traditional ruler in bloodstained cloth with his hand tied behind his back.
Also, in the video, the monarch made a desperate plea to the state government for assistance, as the deadline set by the kidnappers for the payment of ransom had expired.
Furthermore, multiple sources confirmed the sad development on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
A resident of Gatawa, Mahe Mukhtar, said the death was confirmed by the office of the deceased and there was a condolence message from the member representing Isa-Sabon Birni federal constituency on the death.
A cousin of the victim, who is the Magajin Garin Sabon Birni, Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, also confirmed his death to the publication.
Sokoto Sarkin Is Dead
“It is true that Sarkin is dead. He died yesterday around 5:53pm,” he said.
According to him, a prominent traditional ruler in Shinkafi called and informed them about his death.
“The traditional ruler sent someone to the bandits’ den to further negotiate the release of the monarch, his son and brother” he said.
“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 that no money should be sent because Sarkin is dead.
“Our brothers and one of our uncles were about to go and deliver the money as well as the motorcycles demanded by the bandits but the traditional ruler asked us not to let them go because our monarch is dead.
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In addition, the Gwanda-Gobir said that the family of the deceased had been trying to talk to him but but his abductors kept telling them he could not talk because he was suffering from catarrh.
“They however, linked them with his son, Kabiru who is also in captivity who said his father was in isolation because of sickness. I am sure they dictated to him what to tell them,” he added.
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