From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) expresses its deep condemnation of the brutal murder of His Royal Highness Alhaji Isa Bawa, the Emir of Gobir, by bandits in Sokoto State.
In a press statement signed by Khalid Muhammad Bello, the National President of the association, stated, “We call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Defence Minister, and the National Security Adviser to urgently consider our proposed roadmap for resolving the conflicts in the North West region.
This tragic event, where the Emir was kidnapped and killed despite a ransom payment of over N60 million, stands as a grave concern for all Nigerians.
According to him, the act of kidnapping, killing, and demanding ransom is utterly condemnable and unacceptable in 21st-century Nigeria.
KACRAN’s condemnation is rooted in the following reasons:
1. His Royal Highness Alhaji Isa Bawa was a respected monarch who served the people selflessly for 45 years, promoting peace, unity, and mutual understanding across Nigeria and beyond.
2. He was committed to fostering peace, even at the time of his capture, as he was en route to Sokoto for a peace mission.
3. As an elderly and respected figure, he deserved dignity and respect, not humiliation and violence.
The collection of ransom after his murder further underscores the atrocity, and the refusal to return his body for a proper Islamic burial compounds the crime.
KACRAN also condemns the circulation of a video showing the Emir pleading for help, which highlights the lack of humanity shown by his captors.
In light of these events, we urge the Sokoto State and Federal governments to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Restoring confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens is paramount.
We call upon the bandits to cease their criminal activities, reminding them that justice will ultimately prevail through law enforcement or divine intervention.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the Emir, the people of Sokoto State, and all Nigerians. We pray for Almighty Allah to grant him eternal peace and give his family strength in this difficult time.
Therefore, “we urge President Tinubu, the Defence Minister, and the National Security Adviser to consider KACRAN’s road map for resolving the North West conflicts. Our strategy offers peaceful solutions without military involvement, drawing on research to address the root causes of the conflicts and proposing non-government sustainable funding methods,” the statement added.
