The death of the ruler of Gobir in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isah Muhammad Bawa, in the hands of kidnappers, has sparked protest in Sabon Birni town.
Youths barricaded the entrance of the ancient city, pelting stones and other dangerous objects on vehicles over the untimely death of their traditional ruler at the hands of criminal gangs.
The protest, Sunday Vanguard learnt, was sparked as a result of a 25-second video clip said to have been posted by the son of the late traditional ruler, Bawa, who said gunmen told him while in captivity that a frontline political figure in the area was behind the kidnapping and killing of his father.
Bawa, who was released by gunmen shortly after the death of his father, alleged that a political figure in the area gave kidnappers N5 million to kill the traditional ruler.
Several houses belonging to suspected politicians in town and party offices were set ablaze by the protesters.
A member of Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, confirmed the death of Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa who spent 25 days in captivity after he was abducted by suspected gunmen alongside his son.
He said the district head died after undergoing severe torture and beatings at the hands of bandits.
The abductors of the traditional ruler initially demanded N900 million but later reduced it to N500 million. His family and state government were not able to provide the money.
Boza said N6o million and six motorcycles demanded by the bandits were provided but the kidnappers killed the victim after receiving the items.
Sunday Vanguard learnt his son was released after they had collected a million and six motorcycles.
Abductors of the traditional ruler had released a video clip in which the late traditional ruler was seen pleading to Sokoto State government and Sultanate Council to help secure his release from captivity.
Bawa was attacked and kidnapped along Sokoto – Sabon Birni Road on July 29, 2024, after attending a meeting of traditional rulers in Sokoto.
The late traditional ruler spent 25 days with the kidnappers.
Bawa’s demise has sparked outrage across the country, with President Tinubu assuring Nigerians that his administration is aggressively removing threats to ensure that insecurity would soon come to an end.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the Gobir Emirate, and the government of Sokoto State.
Other eminent Nigerians and groups also condemned the incident.
(Vanguard)