The Sokoto State Police have denied any knowledge of the abduction of over 150 people in the Sabon Birni area, which allegedly occurred a few days after the brutal murder of Sarkin Gobir Gatawa, Isa Muhammad Bawa.
In an interview, Professor Bello Bada of Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto stated that the reported kidnappings took place between the murder of the late Emir and the previous Friday. He highlighted that while attacks on prominent leaders are not unprecedented, this marks the first time an Emir has been gruesomely killed.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Ahmed Rufai, the Spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, responded to these claims by saying that the police are unaware of the reported abductions. “The police can only confirm cases that have been officially reported to us. This particular case has not been reported, and we have no information about it,” Rufai said.
Rufai acknowledged, however, that the Sabon Birni area and other parts of the Sokoto East Senatorial district have been experiencing severe security threats. He noted that many residents are under constant threat and some find it difficult to report incidents to the authorities.
