The Sokoto Police have denied knowledge of the reported abduction of over 150 people in the Sabon Birni area, occurring just days after the brutal killing of Sarkin Gobir Gatawa, Isa Muhammad Bawa.
In a recent interview with Radio France International (RFI) Hausa, Professor Bello Bada of Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto mentioned that the kidnappings took place between the time of the Emir’s death and last Friday. He also pointed to various factors contributing to the ongoing banditry in the region. Bada noted that while attacks on prominent leaders have occurred before, this is the first time an Emir has been killed in such a violent manner.
However, the Sokoto State Police Command’s Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ahmed Rufai, told our correspondent in a phone conversation that the police are unaware of these abductions. Rufai clarified that the police can only confirm cases that are officially reported to them, and no information about these specific incidents has been received.
He acknowledged, however, that the Sabon Birni area and other parts of the Sokoto East Senatorial District face severe security threats. Many residents are living in fear and may find it difficult to report incidents to the authorities.