President Tinubu Vows ‘Strong Response’ After Terrorists Killed Sokoto Traditional Ruler, Got N60million Ransom

President Bola Tinubu has vowed to take decisive action in response to the murder of Alhaji Isa Bawa, the District Head of Gatawa in Sokoto State, by bandits.

In a statement released by President's spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu condemned the attack as a grave and disturbing act.

He offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the Gobir Emirate, and the Sokoto State government. The President prayed for Alhaji Bawa’s soul and for his family's solace during this time of grief.

Tinubu assured that his administration is intensifying efforts to eliminate security threats and effectively combat acts of terror.

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters had reported that the terrorists responsible for the gruesome murder of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, made a chilling demand.

They demanded a ransom of N60 million and five motorcycles in exchange for the release of the traditional ruler's body for proper burial.

Also SaharaReporters previously reported that Alhaji Bawa was abducted, tortured, and brutally killed by the terrorists on Wednesday.

Before his tragic death, a distressing video surfaced showing the late traditional ruler, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, pleading for his life and urging the government to intervene.

Bawa and his son were taken captive in July at Kwanar Maharba while en route from Sokoto to Sabon Birni, his hometown and the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government in Sokoto State.

The kidnappers initially demanded a staggering N1 billion ransom for the release of the victims.

The heart-wrenching video circulating online shows the late traditional ruler, speaking in Hausa, recounting his terrifying experience of being kidnapped by terrorists.

He desperately appealed for help, stating that their lives were in grave danger and they were suffering in the forest where they were being held captive.

In the video, a gunman can be heard dictating what the victims should say, further highlighting the coercion and duress they faced.

Tragically, his plea for rescue was not heeded in time, as he was killed by the terrorists on Wednesday.

A family source on Wednesday evening revealed that the terrorists were still withholding the body of the deceased traditional ruler, conditioning its release on the payment of a ransom.

The family is now faced with the distressing possibility of being unable to provide a proper Islamic burial for their loved one if they fail to meet the terrorists' demands of N60million and five motorcycles.

“They said before they can release his corpse, we must give them N60million and five motorcycles,” the family source said.