- As thousands mourn, attend funeral
BY EDMOND ODOK – President Bola Tinubu has condemned the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, District Head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, warning that the Royal father’s killers will not go unpunished.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale quoted President Tinubu as describing the savage attack on the late monarch as deeply disturbing and a heinous act that will attract decisive response.
The President while extending his profound condolences to the bereaved family, the Gobir Emirate, and the government of Sokoto State, prayed for the repose of the soul of the traditional ruler and comfort for his family at this difficult time.
He assured Nigerians that his administration is aggressively removing threats to ensure the security of the nation and that these desperate acts of terror will be effectively countered.
Mourners Attend Sokoto District Head’s Funeral
Meanwhile, thousands of mourners on Thursday held a special funeral prayer for the murdered District Head, Isa Muhammad Bawa, in absentia.
The traditional ruler, kidnapped alongside his son while returning from Sokoto, the state capital, about 26 days ago, was killed and buried by his abductors.
One of his sons and Turakin Gobir, Surajo Isa, informed reporters that the prayer, held around 10 am, was massively attended by the people of Sabon Birni and its environs.
The Chief Imam of Sabon Birni, Imam Dahiru, led the prayer.
“We thank God for his life. He spent all his life serving his people and we are proud of that,” he said, and thanked Nigerians for identifying with the family during this trying time.
The monarch is survived by three wives, 18 children and many grandchildren.
In a related development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in the state and Senator, representing Sokoto-North, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has expressed shock over the monarch’s demise.
A statement signed by his media aide, Bashar Abubakar, Senator Wamakko described the killing of the district head as a barbaric and cowardly act which must not go unpunished.
He further described the deceased as a leader with a good heart for his subjects and also a peace-loving gentleman who would continue to be remembered because of his good works.
Wamakko prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the late traditional ruler and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
