The terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, have issued a chilling ultimatum. They are demanding a ransom of N60 million and five motorcycles in exchange for releasing the traditional ruler’s body, allowing it to be buried according to Islamic rites.
Alhaji Bawa was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by the terrorists on Wednesday, an incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the region. His abduction had occurred in July at Kwanar Maharba while he was traveling from Sokoto to his hometown, Sabon Birni, which serves as the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government in Sokoto State.
Initially, the kidnappers had demanded a staggering N1 billion ransom for the release of Bawa and his son, who was also taken captive during the same incident. A heart-wrenching video surfaced online, showing the late traditional ruler pleading for his life and urging the government to intervene. In the video, Bawa, speaking in Hausa, described the terrifying conditions under which they were being held and the grave danger they faced in the forest.
The video also revealed the coercion imposed on the victims, with a gunman dictating what Bawa and his son should say. Despite his desperate appeals, no rescue came in time, leading to his tragic death at the hands of the terrorists.
A family source disclosed that the terrorists are withholding the body of the deceased until their demands are met. The family now faces the heartbreaking reality that they may be unable to give Alhaji Bawa a proper Islamic burial unless the ransom is paid.
“They said before they can release his corpse, we must give them N60 million and five motorcycles,” the family source revealed.
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