MURIC to Sokoto government: Nigerians deserve explanation over death of emir in captivity
Bawa's death was announced on Tuesday after spending two weeks in the den of bandits who abducted him and his son while returning from an event in Sokoto metropolis.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) says the government of Sokoto state should explain to Nigerians the circumstances that surrounded the death of Isah Bawa, the Emir of Gobir, in the hands of bandits.
Bawa’s death was announced on Tuesday after spending two weeks in the den of bandits who abducted him and his son while returning from an event in Sokoto metropolis.
In statement on Friday, Lakin Akintola, executive director of MURIC, said the organisation is worried about the turn of events about the abduction and the death of the monarch.
“The Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isah Bawa, was reportedly killed by bandits on Tuesday, 20th August 2024 while still in captivity,” the statement reads.
The late Emir was seen in a viral video begging ‘Brothers and sisters, friends and the state government’ to help him pay the ransom of N1 billion demanded by his abductors.
“MURIC is bewildered by the sudden turn of events, but we do not wish to be judgemental. We will rather demand an explanation for the tragic incident.
Nigerians, particularly the good people of Sokoto State, deserve to know the steps taken by the state government from the day Emir Isah Bawa of Gobir was kidnapped.
“The death of Emir Bawa raises more questions than answers. We are talking of a whole emir for crying out loud. He was in captivity for three long weeks.
“Why did it take so long? What were the security agents in the zone doing? Who was assigned to coordinate the operation? Why was nothing done for a whole three weeks? What went wrong?
“How safe is the ordinary Sokoto citizen if a whole emir can die in this manner? How safe are the emirs of Damaturu, Argungu, etc.
“In fact, how safe is Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar? We are constrained to ask the security agencies in the geopolitical zone to up their game in the task of protecting the Sultan in particular and the remaining traditional rulers now that it is clear that the bandits have suddenly developed long throat. Doubling or quadrupling their guards will not be a bad idea.
“Everything necessary should be done to secure the freedom of the emir’s son who is still with the bandits as both the late emir and his son were reportedly abducted on the same day.
“MURIC appeals to the Federal Government, the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police to pay special attention to Sokoto State at this point in time. The handwriting on the wall appears to indicate a shift in the modus operandi of bandits in the state.”
