Abducted Sokoto monarch dies in captivity days after appearing in video to plead for government’s help

The District Head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni  Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, has reportedly died in captivity.

Earlier reports stated that bandits abducted the 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 bl00dstained cloth with his hand tied behind his back. 

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.

Multiple sources confirmed the sad development to the Daily Trust on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

A resident of Gatawa, Mahe Mukhtar, said the d£ath 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 d£ath.

Cousin of the victim, who is the Magajin Garin Sabon Birni, Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, also confirmed his d£ath to the publication.

“It is true that Sarkin is d£ad. He d!ed yesterday around 5:53pm,” he said.

According to him, a prominent traditional ruler in Shinkafi called and informed them about his d£ath

“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 d@ad.”

Gwanda-Gobir added 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. 

Similarly, one of the persons privy to the negotiation who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the monarch was not k!lled but d!ed from an ailment. 

“They would not k!ll him because they don’t want to miss the huge amount of money they put on his head,” he said

Another cousin of the monarch who spoke on condition of anonymity said the bandits “have even told us where to pick his corpse

Speaking on the development, Hon. Aminu Boza, member representing Sabon Birni (North), said negotiation was reached with bandits for the released of the Emir when suddenly the news of his murder was broke

“We have agreed on N60m and brand new Motorcycles as ransom. What delayed the delivery was the specification of the motorcycles demanded which is popularly known as Boko Haram,” Boza said. 

“We have gotten the motorcycles today but unfortunately the bandits did not call the person they were communicating with. They normally call twice in day; 8am and 5pm but today, they have not called throughout.”