Reports emerged claiming that suspected gunmen, believed to be bandits, have abducted Sarkin Gobie, the traditional ruler of Gatawa District in the troubled Sabom Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State’s Eastern senatorial zone.
The Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler on Monday. However, he stated that details regarding the circumstances of the abduction were still unclear.
Rufai acknowledged that the traditional ruler was taken away along with others, but due to a lack of information, he was unable to provide specifics at the time of the inquiry.
“Yes, a traditional ruler in the state was allegedly kidnapped with others.
I will update you once I have more details,” Rufai mentioned. However, he did not follow up with the additional information for PUNCH Metro at the time of reporting.
A source from the family, speaking under anonymity, revealed that the traditional ruler and his son were taken captive while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
The source disclosed that more than five individuals were seized on the day the traditional ruler was taken.
The bandits reportedly attacked the ruler’s vehicle, shooting at it and causing a tyre blowout that forced the vehicle to halt. Subsequently, the assailants abducted the ruler and his son before retreating.
Family members and community residents were reportedly urging the government to ensure the safe release of all victims from the bandits’ hideout.
Efforts to reach Col. Ahmed Usman, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to him went unanswered up to the time of filing this report.