The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the murder of the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa,.
According to The PUNCH, Matawalle gave this order in a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike.
He condemned the incident, describing the act as heinous, senseless, and intolerable.
Alhaji Isa Bawa, a 74-year-old monarch, was abducted in July alongside his son and six others while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni, near the Niger border.
The tragic turn of events culminated in the discovery of his body by the team sent to deliver the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
Before his untimely death, a video of Bawa pleading for his life from his captors went viral, drawing widespread public concern.
In the statement, the minister expressed his deep sorrow over the brutal killing of the district head and emphasized that such an atrocity cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
Matawalle stated, “The Minister of State for Defence has strongly condemned the brutal killing of the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa, describing it as heinous and unacceptable. He said the killing of Bawa was a senseless and brutal act that would not be tolerated.”
In response to this tragedy, Matawalle directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that those responsible for this reprehensible crime are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to national security, Matawalle highlighted that President Bola Tinubu has made security a top priority and has been unwavering in his support for the military’s efforts to protect the country.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” Matawalle vowed.
The minister also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Alhaji Isa Bawa, as well as to the people of Gatawa and the government of Sokoto State.
