In a brazen attack, gunmen abducted the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa district, Isa Muhammad Bawa, and his son along the Sokoto to Sabon Birni road. The assailants are demanding a ransom of N1 billion for their release.
Police Command spokesperson, ASP Ahmed Rufa’i confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing.
Isa S. Gobir, an elder son of the abducted district head, recounted that the ambush occurred in the Kwanar Maharba area as his father traveled from Sokoto to Sabon Birni, the local government headquarters. The gunmen opened fire upon spotting the emir’s vehicle, bursting its tires and forcing it to a halt. The bandits then kidnapped the district head and his son, who was driving the car.
Isa has appealed to the government to take urgent action to secure their release.
Local sources report that the abduction has sparked outrage and concern among residents of Sabon Birni, who are calling for immediate action from authorities. On the same day, five other individuals were kidnapped in the area, highlighting the escalating security crisis.
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“This incident underscores the worsening security challenges in Nigeria despite ongoing efforts to address them. The kidnappers, armed men, attacked the district head’s vehicle and took him and his driver away,” a local resident said.
“The kidnapping is the latest in a series of security incidents in the region, which has been plagued by banditry and kidnapping,” added another resident.
Criticism has been leveled at authorities for their handling of the situation, with growing concerns that security challenges are spiraling out of control. While the government has pledged to tackle the issue, progress has been lacking.
“The security situation in Nigeria is complex and requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach to be effectively addressed,” reiterated ASP Rufa’i.
