Declaring the assassination of the Head of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, Isa Bawa, as abominable and intolerable, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, took a strong stance on Friday.
In an incident that occurred in July, Bawa, along with his son and six others, was abducted while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni near the border with Niger.
The rescue team, tasked with delivering the ransom demanded by the bandits, tragically found Bawa’s lifeless body.
Prior to his demise, a video circulated widely where the 74-year-old leader pleaded for his release from the clutches of his captors.
A statement from Henshaw Ogubike, the Director of Information and Public Relations for the Ministry of Defence, conveyed the minister’s denunciation of the district head’s killing and his directive to Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to pursue the perpetrators.
“The Minister of State for Defence has strongly condemned the vicious murder of Alhaji Isa Bawa, the Head of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, deeming it as inhumane and impermissible.
“He labeled Bawa’s killing as a barbaric and senseless act that will not be condoned.
“In response to this, Matawalle has instructed the Chief of Defence Staff to promptly initiate an extensive probe into the incident and ensure the culprits face the law.”
Matawalle accentuated that security remains a top priority for President Bola Tinubu, with staunch backing provided to the military.
He pledged that the Armed Forces will exhaust all avenues to unmask the individuals behind this atrocious crime and subject them to justice.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to secure the safety and protection of all Nigerians,” Matawalle affirmed.
The minister also extended his sympathies to the family of the deceased district head, the populace of Gatawa, and the Sokoto State Government.