The Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa district of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa and his son have been abducted along Sokoto – Sabon Birni local government area of the state.
Their abductors had requested N1 billion as ransom before they would be released.
Another source disclosed that an additional five persons had been kidnapped in the Sabon Birni area over the weekend when the district head was attacked.
Sokoto Police Command spokeperson, ASP Ahmed Rufa‘i confirmed the incident saying the operatives are investigating the incident.
A son of the victim, Alhaji Isa S. Gobir, who broke the news to journalists narrated that the district head was ambushed at the Kwanar Maharba area while travelling from Sokoto to his home town Sabon Birni, headquarters of Sabon Birni local government in the state.
Gobir said, “The bandits, on sighting the emir‘s vehicle, started shooting guns, which resulted in the tires of the vehicle busting and the driver losing control of the car, forcing the car to suddenly stop.
“The bandits abducted the district head and his driver, who happened to be his biological son.
“The armed abductors attacked the district head‘s vehicle and took him and his driver away.”
Alhaji Isa therefore appealed to the government to do everything possible to ensure the release of the victims from the bandit‘s den.
Sources in Sabon Birni said the incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents, who are calling on authorities to expedite action in the release of the district head and his subjects.