The abducted District Head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto state, Isa Muhammad Bawa, has been shown in a viral video begging the government to come for his assistance as the deadline set by his abductors for the payment of ransom expired.
In the video, the 74-year-old monarch, who has been in captivity for 22 days, can be seen in a bl00d-stained white cloth, with his hands tied behind his back.
The monarch speaks directly to the camera as he appeals to the public and the government to save his life.
The lawmaker representing Sabon Birni at the State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, confirmed the authenticity of the video, stating that the person depicted is indeed the District Head, Bawa.
The transcription of the Hausa spoken by the captive reads: “I am informing my relatives, well-wishers, friends, and leaders that today (Wednesday) is the final day, therefore if they want to assist me, they should do so now. I swear to the Almighty Allah that even they (the bandits) are tired because they too did their best but there is nothing from the government.”
Bawa has been in the traditional institution for over 45 years.
The bandits, apparently, considered him high profile as they first fixed a ransom of N1 billion for him.
After some time they reduced it to N500 million, but even this has not been forthcoming.
Bawa was abducted with his son and younger brother at Kwanan Maharba along the Goronyo-Sabon Birni road while returning from Sokoto.
