Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has blamed the federal government for the lack of effective security measures that led to the death of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Bawa.
The revered monarch, who was the District Head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, was abducted and later killed by bandits after a failed ransom negotiation.
In a condolence message, he posted via his personal Twitter account, Atiku expressed deep sorrow over the Emir’s death and blamed the federal government for its apparent unconcern and ineffective strategies in addressing the escalating violence in the region.
He pointed to the government’s failure to provide adequate security as a contributing factor to the growing insecurity that has left many communities vulnerable.
A video surfaced showing the Emir pleading with the Sokoto State government to pay the ransom demanded by his captors, warning that his life was at risk if not met by the deadline.
The monarch was abducted in the Kwanar Maharba area while returning from a meeting in Sokoto town.
Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, one of the Emir’s councillors, confirmed that the kidnappers tragically carried out their threat, killing the Emir on Tuesday.
He added that a prince named Kabiru was also kidnapped alongside the emir and is currently being held by the bandits.
Atiku called for immediate and comprehensive security interventions to protect the lives and property of citizens, stressing that no one should have to live in fear of such senseless violence.
