The Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has strongly condemned in totality the gruesome killing of the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa describing it as wicked and unimaginable.
In the light of this, the Minister has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, assuring that the Nigerian military will leave no stone unturned in bringing them to justice.
Defence minister reaction to the incident was contained in a statement by Henshaw Ogubike , Director ( Information and Public Relations)
“The killing of the District Head of Gatawa is a callous and cruel act that will not be tolerated,” the Minister said. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and brought to book.”
He reiterated the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to fully support the Nigerian Armed Forces in their efforts to combat insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of terrorism.
Badaru opined that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided all logistics to the Armed Forces and that they will ensure that these bandits are neutralised and dislodged permanently.
“We are working tirelessly with the Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” Minister Badaru said. “The recent flashes of kidnapping are signs that the kidnappers’ days are numbered. They will soon be defeated totally.”
While commiserating with family of the late District Head, the people of Gatawa, and the entire Sokoto State Government, he assured the family members of other kidnapped victims that everything possible is being done to secure their release safely.
District Head of Gatawa, Sarkin Kudun Gatawa, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa reportedly died in the captivity of bandits.
One of his sons said on Thursday that the family was informed of their father’s death in captivity.
The monarch was kidnapped about a month ago and was few days ago seen in a viral video appealing to the Sokoto State Government, Sokoto Sultanate Council, his relatives and friends to help pay ransom for his freedom before the deadline set by his captors.