By Milcah Tanimu
Alhaji Isa Bawa, the emir of Gobir in Sokoto state, has been murdered by his kidnappers following delays in ransom payments. The 73-year-old traditional leader was abducted in July along with his son while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni near the Niger border.
The kidnappers had demanded a significant ransom for their release, and despite ongoing negotiations, they executed Bawa after a video appeal for his release was made public. The captors had threatened to kill him if the ransom was not paid by Tuesday.
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing, pledging a “decisive response” to the “savage attack” and reinforcing his administration’s commitment to tackling terrorism and ensuring national security. Kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common in Nigeria, driven by criminal gangs and extremist groups.
