Sultanate Council, Sokoto Government, and Kidnapped Monarch Ask for Ransom Payment

Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Kudun Gatawa in the Gatawa District of Sokoto State, was abducted 23 days ago. He has made a plea to the Sultanate Council, the Sokoto State Government, and his family members to pay a ransom for his release prior to the date given by his abductors.

In a video that was made public over the weekend, Alhaji Bawa could be heard pleading with the government to pay the ransom. He claimed that the bandits had given him a deadline to make the payment or else they would murder him.

The traditional ruler added, "I am seeking the help of the government," as seen in the video with his hands and legs bound and his garments smeared with blood. As their servant, I I have spent 74 years serving them, 45 of them years in government service.

"Since I have always worked for the government, it is my duty to receive assistance from it.

"The Sokoto Sultanate Council ought to step in, since the bandits' den is home to at least 86 victims." You ought to know that we are in a dire situation, and nobody will assist me if they don't.

"I beg the authorities, my kids, and my family to investigate my circumstances and assist me."Allah is aware that I am not at peace today. I therefore ask for protection for my life and implore anybody who hears my request to come to my aid, for the cause of Allah and His Prophet.

One of the participants in the Honorable Aminu Boza of the State's House of Assembly verified that the individual in the video was indeed the kidnapped Emir.

The present Emir of Kudun Gatawa, Sabon Birni, and the family of the Emir of Gobir, Sabon Birni, sent a telegram stating that they were shocked, saddened, and confused.

"We never imagined that we would find ourselves in this predicament.

"We told those who needed to know about the situation when it happened, but nobody paid attention. Even those who listened to us did not act upon our advice or take us seriously.

"In spite of this, we have persisted in negotiating our father's release with the bandits, making use of all the means and connections Allah has bestowed upon us.

However, they won't release him, stating that they won't let him go unless the government steps in.