Sokoto Govt silent as residents hold funeral for Emir killed by kidnappers
The Sokoto State Government has yet to comment on the reported killing of the kidnapped Emir of Sabon Birni, Isa Bawa, who recently pleaded for his rescue in a video shared by his kidnappers.
On Thursday, residents of Sabon Birni performed a funeral prayer, known as Salat al-Gha’ib, for the murdered emir.
The prayer is usually performed in absentia for a Muslim who died in a place where there are no Muslims to pray for them.
The prayer was performed after reports emerged that the emir had been killed and buried by his abductors in the bush.
The state government has neither confirmed nor denied reports that the emir was killed by the bandits on Wednesday afternoon.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Sambo Danchadi, did not respond to newsmen on Wednesday and Thursday morning seeking comment on the incident.
The police spokesperson in the state, Ahmad Rufa’i, said he had yet to be briefed on the incident and declined further comment.
However, officials from the Sabon Birni Emirate said they were informed of the killing on Wednesday while they were preparing to deliver ₦60 million and five motorcycles as demanded by the abductors as ransom.
The bandits had released a video last Wednesday showing Mr. Bawa pleading with the authorities in Sokoto to secure his release.
He said the deadline set by the bandits for his release or execution had passed on that day.
Mr. Bawa and his son were kidnapped on July 18 while traveling from the state capital to Sabon Birni after a private visit.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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