The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has condemned the killing of Isa Bawa, the Head of Gatawa District in Sokoto State’s Sabon Birni Local Government Area, describing it as a horrific and intolerable crime.
Reports indicate that Bawa, along with his son and six others, was kidnapped in July while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni near the Niger border. Tragically, when a team was dispatched to deliver the ransom demanded by the kidnappers, they discovered Bawa’s lifeless body.
Prior to his death, a video surfaced last Saturday showing the 74-year-old district head pleading for his life while in captivity, which garnered widespread attention.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle denounced the district head’s murder and ordered the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, to launch an immediate investigation to ensure that those responsible for the crime are brought to justice.
Matawalle stated, “The Minister of State for Defence has unequivocally condemned the brutal killing of Alhaji Isa Bawa, the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, labeling it as a heinous and unacceptable act.”
He added that the murder was a senseless and savage crime that would not be tolerated, and directed the Chief of Defence Staff to promptly investigate the incident and apprehend the culprits.
Matawalle emphasized that maintaining security is one of President Bola Tinubu’s top priorities, noting that the President has consistently supported the military’s efforts.
He reassured the public that the Armed Forces are fully committed to investigating this crime and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” Matawalle affirmed.
Additionally, Matawalle extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late district head, the people of Gatawa, and the Sokoto State Government.
