The District head of Gatawa in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Isa Muhammad Bawa who was kidnapped along with his son and brother has died in captivity, as Kidnappers demand N500 million as ransom.
Recall that the 74-year-old traditional ruler, his son, and his younger brother were abducted at Kwanan Maharba along the Goronyo-Sabon Birni Road while returning from Sokoto.
The cousin of the victim, who is the Magajin Garin Sabon Birni, Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, also confirmed his death, saying a prominent traditional ruler in Shinkafi called and informed them about his death.
“It is true that Sarkin is dead. He died yesterday around 5:53 pm.
“The traditional ruler sent someone to the bandits’ den to further negotiate the release of the monarch, his son and brother.
“Upon arrival, he saw the dead body of Sarkin lying on the ground. He then isolated himself from the bandits and told the traditional ruler that no money should be sent because Sarkin was 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,” he said.
An elder brother to the deceased District Head, Surajo Isa who also confirmed the death, said the bandits collected N60 million and five motorcycles to secure the release of the son of the district head.
“They came back from the bandits’ den around 8:30 pm,” he said
He said their father who died in captivity was buried by his abductors.
“This is what our brother told us after his release,” he revealed.
Hon. Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, stated that Isa is currently receiving treatment at Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.
“Unfortunately, they have buried the remains of the late emir in the bush. We learned that the Emir was buried in the morning.
“The late Emir’s son, Alhaji Kabir Isa is currently receiving treatment at Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto. Unfortunately, the Emir would not be seen again.”
Recall that the kidnappers initially demanded one billion naira before reducing it to N500 million.
The bandits had before killing the district heads released a short video with the district head pleading with his relatives, friends, and leaders for help, as the deadline for the N500 million ransom passed last Wednesday.
The district head was seen expressing concern in the video, saying “Today (Wednesday) is the final day, so if they want to assist me, they should assist me now. I swear to Almighty Allah that even the bandits are tired because they have done their best, but there has been no assistance from the government. I have served the government for about 45 years in the traditional institution”.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the tragic circumstances leading to the passing of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Isa Bawa, the District Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale described the savage attack on the traditional ruler as deeply disturbing and a heinous act that will not go without a decisive response.
“Nigerians that his administration is aggressively removing threats to ensure the security of the nation and that these desperate acts of terror will be effectively countered,” Tinubu assured.
The President, while extending his profound condolences to the bereaved family, the Gobir Emirate, and the government of Sokoto State also prayed for the repose of the soul of the traditional ruler and comfort to his family at this difficult time.
- Post-Election Unrest: Bamendjou Ruler Urges For Restraint - October 30, 2025
- Federal Government Pays Universities N2.3bn As Salary Arrears - October 30, 2025
- Lamido Denies Chairmanship Form At PDP HQ, Threatens Court Action - October 27, 2025