Kidnapped Sokoto Traditional Ruler Killed Days After Pleading for Government Help in Video

Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, has been brutally murdered by terrorists shortly after a video was released showing him pleading for his life and begging the government for assistance.

The heart-wrenching development was confirmed by social media activist Idris4Peace on Wednesday afternoon via his X handle. In his post, he revealed that the bandits had released a disturbing video in which the traditional ruler, visibly distressed, appealed desperately for help from the authorities.

“Sarkin Gobir, a revered leader in Sokoto, has been executed by armed bandits after being abducted, tortured, and dehumanized,” the post stated.

Alhaji Bawa and his son were kidnapped in July while traveling from Sokoto to his hometown of Sabon Birni, the headquarters of Sabon Birni Local Government Area. According to one of his sons, the bandits ambushed their vehicle near Kwanar Maharba, causing the car to crash after the tires were shot out. The district head and his son, who was driving, were taken captive.

The terrorists initially demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release. In the video, which was shared online a few days ago, the Sarkin Gobir, speaking in Hausa, detailed the horrific conditions they were enduring in captivity. He expressed grave concern for their lives and pleaded with the government to intervene swiftly.

In the same video, one of the gunmen, also speaking in Hausa, could be heard dictating what the victims should say, further underscoring the terror they were subjected to.