Leaders of Northern Nigeria have expressed grave concern over the activities of kidnappers who have been targeting traditional rulers.
This is as the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) yesterday condemned the abduction and subsequent murder of the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa.
A statement by the spokesperson of the forum, Abdulazeez Suleiman, said the appalling act -perpetrated by bandits – stands not only as a breach of the sanctity of traditional institutions but also as a stark manifestation of the underlying chaos that pervades certain regions in Northern Nigeria.
LEADERSHIP reports that NEF’s pronouncement reflects a deep-seated outrage that resonates with the collective sensibilities of the northern populace, who hold their traditional leaders in high regard.
NEF said the Emir of Gobir’s killing represents more than a mere loss of life; it is a profound attack on cultural heritage, a disregard for customary authority, and a grim reminder of the rampant insecurity that has plagued much of Northern Nigeria.
“This act is both heinous and ruthless and an affront to the reverence traditionally afforded to emirs and the values underpinning the region’s social fabric.
“Traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria symbolise stability, guidance, and communal identity. Their abduction and brutal killing thus send shockwaves through society, unsettling the already fragile trust between the people and the institutions meant to protect them.”
The NEF expressed its condolences to the Sultan of Sokoto, the family of the deceased emir, and the people of Gobir,
It called for justice and demanded that all relevant stakeholders, including government authorities and security agencies, take decisive steps to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
It averred that allowing such criminals to escape unpunished would only embolden them, exacerbating the cycle of violence and instability that has become all too common in the region.
It went on: “The criminal acts perpetrated by bandits are not isolated incidents; they form part of a worrying trend of violence and lawlessness that has engendered fear and insecurity in Northern Nigeria. The alarming frequency of kidnappings, robberies, and related atrocities has left communities in a state of despair.
“The killing of a prominent figure like the Emir of Gobir signifies a troubling turning point in this trajectory of violence, one that threatens to erode the foundational pillars of respect, dignity, and authority that traditional leaders embody.
“Moreover, this tragedy calls for a comprehensive reevaluation of the security architecture in Northern Nigeria.”
NEF said the time had come for policymakers to address the root causes of insecurity, which include economic disenfranchisement, rampant poverty, and poor governance, adding that a mere reactive approach, primarily characterised by military interventions, is insufficient to tackle such deep-seated issues.
“Instead, a holistic strategy that encompasses community engagement, economic development, and education must be prioritised to empower local populations and sow the seeds of resilience against criminal influences,” it said.
The NEF called on civil society and community leaders to play their critical roles in finding sustainable solutions to rampant violence by increasing public awareness, fostering community solidarity, and collaborating with security forces in the fight against crime and lawlessness.
“The abduction and murder of the Emir of Gobir serves as a tragic emblem of the crisis facing Northern Nigeria—a crisis that calls for immediate and sustained attention from government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions, and civil society alike,” it added.
NEF insisted that that the perpetrators of the heinous crime must not go unpunished, and that rigorous efforts should be made to restore peace and security in the region.
Killing Of Sokoto Monarch Deeply Disturbing – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the tragic circumstances leading to the death of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Isa Bawa, the District Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, described the savage attack on the traditional ruler as deeply disturbing and a heinous act that will not go without a decisive response.
The President extended his profound condolences to the bereaved family, the Gobir Emirate, and the government of Sokoto State.
The President prayed for the repose of the traditional ruler’s soul and for comfort for his family at this difficult time.
President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration is aggressively working to ensure that terrorism is effectively contained.
Speaker Abbas Sad Over Death Of Sarkin Gobir In Kidnappers’ Den
Similarly, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the death of the traditional leader, Isa Muhammad Bawa, in kidnappers’ den.
Abbas, in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Musa Krishi, said the bandits’ abduction of the traditional ruler was both barbaric and inhuman.
The speaker decried the continuous kidnapping for ransom in the country, stating that it was unacceptable.
Abbas expressed his condolences to the family of the late Sarkin Gobir, the Gateway District in Sabon Birni Local Government, the people and the government of Sokoto State over the irreparable loss.
He prayed to God to have mercy on the soul of the late Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa and make Jannatul Firdaus his final abode.
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