By Halimah Olamide
The Sarkin Kudun Gatawa in Gatawa District of Sokoto State, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, has reportedly been killed by bandits after weeks in captivity.
The Emir and his son were kidnapped in July at the Kwanar Maharba area while travelling from Sokoto to his home town, Sabon Birni, the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government of Sokoto State.
Few days after the incident, the abductors requested the sum of N1 billion as ransom for the release of the victims.
A video later surfaced online showing the Emir pleading for his life.
Speaking in Hausa language, he pleaded with the Sokoto State Government, Sokoto Sultanate Council, his relatives and friends to secure his release by paying the ransom before the deadline set by his captors.
He further said that the bandits had issued a deadline for the payment of ransom and failure of which he would be will killed.
The traditional ruler, seen in the video with his blood-stained clothes as well as chained hands and legs said,
“I am seeking the help of the government. I am their servant, and I have served them for 74 years, including 45 years in government service.
I have always been in the service of the government, and it is the government’s responsibility to help me.
Also in the video, one of the gunmen can be heard speaking in Hausa dictating to the victims what to say.