…Demand N1 billion ransom
From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
A yet-to-be-identified gunmen have attacked and abducted Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa district Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa and his biological son along Sokoto to Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state.
Also gathered that the bandits had requested N1 billion as ransom before they released the victims.
The Police Command Spoke Person, ASP Ahmed Rufa’i confirmed the incident saying the operatives are investigating the incident.
An elder son of the victim, Alhaji Isa S. Gobir confirmed the incident saying that the district head was ambushed at the Kwanar Maharba area while travelling from Sokoto to his home town Sabon Birni town of Sabon Birni local government headquarters in the state.
Gobir further said the bandits on sighting the emir’s vehicle started shooting guns such resulted in the tires of the vehicle busting and the driver losing control of the car forcing the car to suddenly stop.
According to him, the bandits abduct the district head and his driver who happen to be his biological blood son.
Alhaji Isa therefore appealed to the government to do everything possible to ensure the release of the victims from the bandit’s den.
Local sources in Sabon Birni said the incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents, who are calling on authorities to take action.
They said an additional five persons had been kidnapped in the Sabon Birni area on the day the district head was attacked.
“This is happening as the security challenges in Nigeria continue to worsen, despite efforts by authorities to address the issue.
“The kidnappers, armed men, attacked the district head’s vehicle and took him and his driver away.
“The kidnapping is the latest in a series of security incidents in the region, which has been plagued by banditry and kidnapping.
“The authorities have been criticized for their handling of the situation, and there are concerns that the security challenges are getting out of control.
“The government has promised to address the issue, but so far, there has been no tangible progress.
“The security situation in Nigeria is a complex and challenging one, and it requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address it effectively,” the Police spokesman added.
