The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has condemned the murder of Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District, Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, by bandits after a failed N60 million ransom attempt.

In a statement by NSF chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, on Thursday, August 22, the forum extended condolences to the deceased’s family and called for justice.

Yar’adua condemned the brutal killing, expressing shock and deep sorrow over the tragic loss.

Yar’adua said: “I write to you on behalf of the Northern Senators Forum with a heavy heart and deep sorrow to condole with you (deceased’s family) on the brutal murder of our patriarch, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State and vehemently condemn the killing.

“His abduction, torture, and eventual killing by bandits are a heinous and unacceptable act that has left us all in shock.

“Please accept our sincerest sympathies. We stand with you in this moment of unimaginable grief and pain.”

He stressed that traditional rulers like Alhaji Isa represent community leadership and cultural heritage, urging security agencies to protect them.

He added that traditional rulers embody the “rich cultural heritage and values of our people. It is therefore sacrosanct that they be protected by law enforcement agencies.

“The killing of a traditional ruler is not only a crime against the individual but also an attack on the very fabric of our society.”

Yar’adua called for intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators and prevent such acts, asserting that these crimes undermine Nigeria’s traditional institutions.

He assured Sokoto residents that security agencies are making progress in combating terrorism and vowed to continue protecting the people.

He added, “We cannot allow such acts of terrorism to go unpunished. It is imperative that measures are put in place to prevent such incidents from happening again, as they are sacrilegious and undermine the traditional institutions that are essential to our national identity.

“To the people of Sokoto State, I offer my condolences for the loss of this respected leader. His demise is a tragedy that affects us all, and we must come together to ensure that justice is served.

“I want to assure you that the Armed Forces and other security agencies have been making significant progress in dismantling terrorist enclaves in the Northern States.

“This progress will only intensify our efforts to protect Nigerians and ensure that such brutal acts are not repeated.

“May the soul of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa rest in Aljannah Firdausi, and may his family find the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”