Bandits have kidnapped at least 150 people in Gobir, Sokoto State, Nigeria, just days after killing the Emir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa. Professor Bello Bada, a university don, disclosed this in an interview with Radio France International’s Hausa Service, blaming “lapses from many quarters” for the bandits’ brazen attacks.
According to Professor Bada, “this is not the first time a prominent monarch was attacked, but this is the first time a prominent monarch was murdered.” He described the Emir’s murder as a “humiliation to all Nigerians” and called for a rethink on the bandits’ nefarious activities.
Professor Bada cited previous attempts on other monarchs, including the Emir of Potiskum, who narrowly escaped, and the Emir of Kauran Namoda, whose entourage members were killed. He lamented that such incidents are often forgotten until the bandits strike again.
Security analyst Dr. Yahuza Getso demanded punishment for security operatives who failed to prevent the Emir’s murder after he spent three weeks in captivity. He warned of palpable tension in Gobir community, causing division among native Gobirawa, Hausa, and Fulani people.
Dr. Getso alleged that the leaders of the bandits terrorizing the Northwest region are well-known, as are their origins, parents, and suppliers. He claimed that security operatives have the expertise to tackle the problem but lack political support. “We all have agreed that the security operatives have the expertise to face this problem head-on and bring it to an end. It appears the political leaders are not giving them the support they need to overcome this menace.”
