Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Kudun Gatawa of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, who was kidnapped about a month ago, has reportedly died in captivity. News of his death was confirmed on Wednesday by sources close to the family.
According to reports from Leadership, the information regarding Bawa’s death was conveyed by one of his sons, who revealed that the family had been notified of the tragic development. Bawa, along with his son and brother, was abducted by gunmen near Kwanan Maharba while returning from Sokoto a month ago.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion for their release. In a distressing video that circulated on social media just days ago, the monarch was seen pleading for his life, appealing to the Sokoto State Government, the Sokoto Sultanate Council, as well as his family and friends, to secure his freedom before the deadline imposed by the captors.
In the video, Bawa, with blood-stained clothes and his hands and legs chained, made a desperate plea: “I am appealing to the government. I have served them faithfully for 74 years, including 45 years in government service. It is the government’s duty to come to my aid.”
