The Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State is in turmoil following the assassination of its district head, Isa Muhammad Bawa, by suspected bandits.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, just as a ransom was being delivered in a bid to secure his release.
According to Aminu Boza, the representative of Sabon Birni North in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, a team was dispatched with a ransom of N60 million and five motorcycles. However, upon their arrival, the team was informed that Bawa had already been killed. They were able to retrieve Bawa’s son, who was abducted alongside him and is now receiving medical care.
In the aftermath of Bawa’s funeral in Gatawa town on Thursday, local youths took to the streets in protest, accusing the state government of failing to act swiftly to save the district head. They also alleged that local officials were complicit in his death due to their lack of effective intervention.
To manage the growing unrest, the Nigerian Police Force in Sokoto, led by ASP Ahmed Rufai, has deployed a tactical team to prevent further escalation. Rufai emphasized that the authorities had prepared for potential unrest and are working to maintain order.
Read Also: Six #EndSARS protesters released after four years in jail
Before his death, Bawa had recorded a video plea, expressing his desperation and accusing the government of inaction. In the video, the 74-year-old traditional ruler appealed to his community and the state for help, highlighting his decades of service to the government and traditional institutions.
Attempts to reach Aminu Boza for further comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable. This tragic event highlights the worsening security situation in the region and the growing tension between local communities and government authorities.
