The kidnapped Sarkin Kudun Gatawa in Gatawa District of Sokoto State, Muhammad Bawa, who has been in the captivity of bandits since he was abducted about a month ago, has reportedly died in the camp of his abductors.
The report of his death was obtained by newsmen on Wednesday.
According to Leadership, the news of his death was attributed to one of his sons, who claimed that the family had been informed of their father’s death in captivity.
Naija News recalls gunmen abducted Bawa, along with his son and brother, near Kwanan Maharba about one month ago as they were returning from Sokoto.
The abductors were subsequently reported to have demanded ₦1 billion for their release.
The monarch was seen a few days ago in a viral video appealing to the Sokoto State Government, Sokoto Sultanate Council, his relatives and friends to help pay ransom for his freedom before the deadline set by his captors.
Bawa said that the bandits had issued a deadline for the payment of ransom, and failure of which he would be killed.
The traditional ruler, seen in the video with his blood-stained clothes as well as chained hands and legs said, “I am seeking the help of the government. I am their servant, and I have served them for 74 years, including 45 years in government service.
“I have always been in the service of the government, and it is the government’s responsibility to help me.”
