The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has characterized the murder of Isa Bawa, the Head of Gatawa District in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as a heinous, senseless, and intolerable act.
Bawa was abducted in July, along with his son and six others, while travelling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni near the Niger border.
In an unfortunate turn of events, a team dispatched to pay the ransom demanded by the assailants discovered Bawa’s lifeless body.
Before his death, a video featuring the 74-year-old leader pleading for his release from captivity gained widespread attention last Saturday.
A statement from the Ministry of Defence’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, indicated that Matawalle condemned the district head’s death and instructed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, to pursue those responsible for the monarch’s murder.
He said, “The Minister of State for Defence has strongly condemned the brutal killing of the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa, describing it as heinous and unacceptable.
“He said the killing of Bawa was a senseless and brutal act that would not be tolerated.
“Consequent to this, Matawalle has directed the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Matawalle emphasized that ensuring security ranks among President Bola Tinubu’s foremost priorities, and he has been providing unwavering support to the military.
He reassured the public that the Armed Forces are committed to thoroughly investigating and apprehending those responsible for this atrocious crime, ensuring they face justice.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” Matawalle said.
Matawalle also expressed his condolences to the family of the late district head, the people of Gatawa, and the Sokoto State Government.
