The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has strongly denounced the vicious murder of Alhaji Isa Bawa, the Head of Gatawa District in Sokoto state’s Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
A statement released on Friday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, revealed that the minister characterised the killing as utterly reprehensible and intolerable.
“The brutal slaying of Alhaji Gatawa is a mindless and barbaric act that will not be condoned,” the Minister declared. “We will exhaust all avenues to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of justice.”
In response to this incident, Dr. Matawalle has instructed the Chief of Defence Staff to initiate a comprehensive investigation immediately and ensure that the culprits are held accountable.
“National security is a top priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has consistently provided unwavering support to the military,” he emphasized.
He reassured the public that the Nigerian Armed Forces would spare no effort in apprehending the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bringing them to justice.
“We remain committed to working tirelessly to guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerians,” he stated.
The Minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the family of the late District Head, the people of Gatawa, and the Sokoto State Government.
Bawa was kidnapped alongside his son and six others in July while travelling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni near the Niger border.
The team sent to deliver the ransom demanded by the bandits met Bawa’s corpse.
Before his death, a video of the 74-year-old monarch appealing for his release from the hands of his abductors went viral last Saturday.
