A heartbreaking incident has gripped the nation as news of the abduction and brutal torture of the Emir of Gobir, a highly revered traditional ruler in Sokoto State, spread across social media. The shocking news was shared by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter), identified as SULTAN @Sarki_Sultan, who expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the tragic event. His post read: “Innalillahi wa inn ilaihi rajiun. May his gentle soul rest in Jannah. May Nigeria never happen to you and any of your family or loved ones.”
This distressing event has sent shockwaves through Nigeria, highlighting the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation, particularly in the northern regions. The abduction of such a prominent figure has raised serious concerns about the state’s ability to protect its citizens and safeguard its traditional institutions.
The Emir’s kidnapping comes against a backdrop of increasing tension in Sokoto State. Before his abduction, the Emir of Gobir had been controversially demoted by the Sokoto State Governor—a decision that not only stripped the Emir of his traditional authority but also rendered his family powerless in mobilizing the resources needed to secure his release. This demotion has sparked widespread speculation, with many questioning the true motives behind the Governor’s actions.
Adding to the dismay is the glaring lack of intervention from the Sokoto State government. Despite the gravity of the situation, there was no significant effort from the state’s leadership to secure the Emir’s release. The Emir, who endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of his captors, was left to languish in captivity while the state’s political and traditional leaders, including other Emirs, the Sarkin Muslim, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and influential business leaders, remained alarmingly indifferent.
The silence and inaction of these stakeholders have only deepened the outrage, with many seeing it as a disgrace not only to Sokoto State but to Nigeria as a whole. The failure to protect a traditional ruler—who serves as a custodian of culture and a symbol of the people’s heritage—casts a dark shadow over the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues of governance and accountability in Sokoto State. It calls into question the leadership’s priorities and its dedication to upholding the security and dignity of the people it is meant to serve. As the nation mourns the loss of a respected leader, the hope remains that this tragedy will spur the necessary actions to address the growing insecurity and restore faith in the state’s leadership.
PIONEER NEWS 