Nigerian gunmen kill influential monarch for ransom | GFATF | Global Fight Against Terrorism Funding

Gunmen in northwestern Nigeria have killed an influential traditional ruler they kidnapped three weeks ago over late payment of a ransom, days after he appeared in a video pleading for his release, a palace official told AFP on Wednesday.

Isa Bawa, the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State, was kidnapped along with his son on his way to his hometown of Sabon Birni, near the Niger border, after attending a meeting in the regional capital, Sokoto.

Several states in northwestern and central Nigeria have been plagued for years by bandits who, from their hideouts in the forests, plunder villages, kill and kidnap residents, and burn down houses after looting them.

“His Highness was shot dead yesterday (Tuesday) by his kidnappers while negotiations were underway to pay the ransom they demanded,” Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir told AFP.

“The people who were sent to negotiate the payment called and informed us about the emir’s murder after they saw his dead body in the bandits’ camp,” said Gobir, a member of the council of kingmakers in the emirate of Gobir.

The bandits had set a deadline for the ransom payment on Tuesday and threatened to kill the 73-year-old monarch if the money was not paid, Gobir said.

The killing of the traditional ruler underscores the security risks posed by criminal gangs in the region, which have displaced dozens of farming and pastoral communities, disrupted agriculture and threatened food security.

“His body is yet to be released by the bandits. Our priority now is to secure the release of his son, who is still in captivity,” Gobir said.

Police in Sokoto did not respond to AFP’s request for comment on the killing.

Nigeria’s many traditional rulers lack constitutional powers and are dependent on regional governments for funding. However, they are important cultural custodians who wield enormous influence over their subjects.

Their support can be crucial in elections and in winning public support for government policies.

Boko Haram jihadists have also killed a traditional ruler in the northeast and made a failed assassination attempt on another leader.

In May 2014, Idrissa Timta, the emir of Gwoza in the northeastern state of Borno, was assassinated in an ambush by Boko Haram fighters. Another prince travelling with him managed to escape.

In February 2013, Boko Haram opened fire on the car of the late emir of Kano Ado Bayero as he left a mosque after Friday prayers, killing three of his guards.

Source » msn.com