President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday condemned the tragic circumstances leading to the passing of Alhaji Isa Bawa, the District Head of Gatawa District, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
In a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his spokesman, the president described the attack on Bawa as deeply disturbing and a heinous act that would not go without a decisive response.
The president extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the Gobir Emirate and Sokoto State Government.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the traditional ruler and comfort to his family at this difficult time.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would remove threats to ensure the security of the nation, and that desperate acts of terror would be effectively countered.
Recall Alhaji Bawa was recently abducted by suspected gunmen alongside his son. The district head died after he had undergone severe torture and beating by the gunmen suspected to be bandits, 25 days after he was abducted.
The abductors of the traditional ruler earlier demanded 900 million, later reduced to 500 million as ransom, the amount that was not raised by his family or the state government before his untimely death in the hands of his captors on Wednesday.
The abductors of the district head further reduced the ransom to 60 million Naira and six motorcycles, which was later paid and the suspected gunmen released the son, who is currently hospitalized.
Last Tuesday, the abductors released a video clip in which the late traditional ruler was seen pleading with the Sokoto State Government and Sultanate Council to help secure his release from captivity.
The late Sokoto monarch was attacked and kidnapped along the Sokoto-Sabon Birni road on July 29 after attending a meeting of traditional rulers in Sokoto, the State capital.