The Nigerian Bar Association, Sokoto Branch received with heavy-heart the news of the murder of the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa on Thursday the 22nd day of August, 2024.

Prior to the brutal murder of the traditional ruler, a viral video emerged on the social media space of his torture and dehumanization by his cold-hearted and mean-spirited abductors murderers. This is another mindless murder too many. Family members, friends, loved ones of the deceased, and entire communities have been put into morning by yet another preventable murder by ragtag enemies of the country.

The Sarkin Gobir was an excellent community leader who left an enduring legacy to the people of Sabon Birni LGA, where he held sway as district head and to the entire Sokoto State. His exemplary leadership is worth emulating by present and future leaders all over the world. He was a true Muslim who served his maker faithfully while also preserving and promoting the cultures and traditions of his immediate community. He was a just and impartial adjudicator, a friendly and passionate giver, an erudite and enthusiastic teacher, and above all, a perfect and cultured gentleman by all standards. He was a rare gem and a great loss to the Sokoto Caliphate and, by extension, the entire country.

The Nigerian Bar Association, Sokoto Branch condemned the abduction and gruesome murder of Sarkin Gobir and calls on the Government and security agencies to do more to improve the security of lives and property in Sokoto State in particular and the country in general. A situation where criminal elements operate on roads and in communities without challenge and scutter away defenseless citizens, leaving sorrows, tears, and blood on their path leaves much to be desired. We are in a country where citizens have surrendered themselves to be governed by a sovereign authority. Nigerians shouldn’t remain in the Hobessian state of nature where life is solitary, nasty, brutish, and short. It’s high time our security agencies redefined their strategies in fighting terrorism, banditry, and other prevalent crimes. A stitch in time saves nine, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Our heart-felt condolence goes to the family of the late Emir, Gatawa District, and the entire Sokoto State.

Rashidat Mohammed Esq.
Chairman, NBA Sokoto Branch