Tensions have escalated once again in Sokoto State as bandits struck the Gobir community, kidnapping over 150 people in a fresh wave of violence. The latest attack comes as residents are still mourning the death of their Emir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, who was brutally murdered by the same bandits.
The grim news was revealed by Professor Bello Bada during an interview with Radio France International (RFI) Hausa Service, where he blamed the surge in banditry on lapses in security and governance. He emphasized the boldness of these criminal groups, stating, “this is not the first time a prominent monarch was attacked, but this is the first time a prominent monarch was murdered.”
The murder of the Emir, according to Professor Bada, was a national humiliation and has sparked outrage across Nigeria. “The bandits had made a similar attempt on the life of the Emir of Potiskum… The Emir of Kauran Namoda also narrowly escaped, though members of his entourage were killed,” he recounted, highlighting the growing threat to traditional rulers in the country.
Bada further warned that such acts of violence should not be allowed to continue unchecked. “Where these bandits are coming from is well known, but the appropriate action against them is not well taken,” he added, suggesting that authorities have failed to act decisively against the bandits.
Meanwhile, security analyst Dr. Yahuza Getso expressed frustration with the security forces for their perceived complacency, stating that those responsible for allowing the Emir of Gobir to be held captive for over three weeks before being killed should face punishment. Dr. Getso also warned that the situation in Gobir has created deep divisions among the Gobirawa, Hausa, and Fulani communities, exacerbating the ongoing crisis.
“The leaders of these bandits terrorizing the Northwest region are well known… It appears the political leaders are not giving [the security forces] the support they need to overcome this menace,” Dr. Getso concluded.
