Gunmen kidnap traditional ruler, six others in Sokoto

Gunmen attacked and abducted the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District, Isa Bawa, and his biological son along the Sokoto to Sabon Birni Local Government Area route.

Ahmed Rufa’i, spokesperson for the Sokoto Police Command, confirmed the incident to Channels Television, stating that an investigation is underway.

Isa Gobir, the elder son of the victim, confirmed that the district head was ambushed in the Kwanar Maharba area while traveling from Sokoto to his hometown in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

Gobir explained that upon spotting the emir’s vehicle, the bandits began shooting sporadically, causing the vehicle’s tires to burst and the driver to lose control, bringing the car to an abrupt stop.

The bandits then abducted the district head and his driver, who is also his biological son.

Isa has appealed to the government to take all necessary measures to secure the release of the victims from their captors.

Sources in Sabon Birni reported that the incident has provoked outrage and concern among residents, who are urging authorities to act.

They also mentioned that five additional people were kidnapped in the Sabon Birni area on the same day as the attack on the district head.

This incident underscores the growing calls for enhanced security measures in Nigeria, contributing to nationwide protests demanding greater attention to public safety.