By Uzair Adam
Bandits have reportedly abducted over 150 individuals and stolen more than 1,000 cattle from villages in Gobir Emirate, Sokoto State.
The Emir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, also the District Head of Gatawa, was kidnapped on July 29 along with his son and six others on the Sokoto-Sabon Birni Road.
A distressing video showed the Emir pleading for ransom payment before his death, a situation that led to local protests and a curfew in Sabon Birni.
Our reporters gathered that the bandits’ recent activities have reignited concerns about their operations in the region.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Professor Bello Bada from Usmanu Danfodio University expressed frustration over the bandits’ apparent familiarity with local networks, questioning the effectiveness of local security measures.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution to prevent further attacks.
Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, reported that between Tsamaye and Sabon Birni, 192 people have been abducted, with over 20,000 hectares of land lost due to banditry.
He criticized the lack of security in affected areas and revealed ongoing efforts to increase military presence in the region.
The Sokoto State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmad Rufa’i, stated that no formal report had been received but would investigate the matter further.