By Musa Ubandawaki

SOKOTO— The traditional ruler of the ancient Gobir Kingdom, Alhaji Isah Bawa, in Sokoto State, who was recently transferred to Gatawa District is still in captivity, 22 days after gunmen attacked his vehicle on his way to his new district in Sabon Birni town, headquarters of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state, alongside his son.

A member of the state House of Assembly representing the area, Aminu Almustapha (Boza) confirmed to our correspondents after a video clip by his abductors being dehumanized and pleading for leniency emerged.

He said the suspected gunmen have earlier demanded N900 million as ransom, which they later reduced to N500 million after series of pleadings.

“The amount is do outrageus, who will afford that? Let the authorities intervene before it’s too late,

According to state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ahmed Rufa’i, special operatives from the command were making frantic efforts to secure the release of the traditional ruler unharmed from his captors.

An elder son of the victim, Alhaji Isa Sarkin Gobir also confirmed the incident, saying the district head was ambushed at Kwanar Maharba area by the gunmen while on transit from Sokoto to his home town Sabon Birni town, headquarters of Sabon Birni council of the state.