Emir of Gobir, killed after being held captive for three weeks.

Emir of Gobir, killed after being held captive for three weeks.

In a heartbreaking incident in northwestern Nigeria, the influential traditional leader, Isa Bawa, the Emir of Gobir, was tragically killed after being held captive for three weeks.

His death followed delays in ransom negotiations, despite ongoing discussions aimed at securing his release.

Just days prior to his death, the emir had appeared in a video, earnestly pleading for his freedom, highlighting the dire circumstances surrounding his abduction.

The 73-year-old emir and his son were kidnapped while traveling to Sabon Birni, close to the Niger border, after attending a meeting in Sokoto, the regional capital.

This area has been plagued by banditry, with criminal groups conducting kidnappings and violent assaults on local communities from their forest hideouts.

Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, a member of the council of kingmakers in the Gobir emirate, confirmed that the emir was shot by his captors while ransom negotiations were still in progress.

The bandits had imposed a deadline for the ransom payment, threatening to execute the emir if their demands were not met, a threat they ultimately fulfilled.

Efforts are now concentrated on securing the release of his son, who remains in captivity, underscoring the ongoing security crisis in the region.

Source. NAN.