ACF condemns killing of Sokoto District Head by bandits

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF) has condemned the brutal killing of Isa Mohammed Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni in Sokoto State, by bandits.
It would be recalled that the traditional ruler was abducted alongside his son on August 18 and later murdered, despite ransom payment.
The bodies in their separate statements signed by Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF Secretary-General urged for a thorough investigation and a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s national security architecture to combat banditry and terrorism.
ACF extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, as well as the Sokoto State Government and the Sokoto Sultanate Council.
The group called for calm and urged the government, security agencies, traditional rulers, and leaders of thought to collaborate and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
ACF emphasized the need for swift and effective action to restore peace and trust in the government’s ability to protect its citizens saying,
“The murder of the traditional ruler has raised concerns about the escalating violence and insecurity in the north, with many calling for a more effective approach to combating banditry and terrorism.”
George said the development constitutes an obstacle to genuine reconciliation, stressing that the crisis may persist due to the ambition of certain chieftains.
“Elders of the party have to come into the room to resolve the personalized ambitions of people. That is what is killing our party,” he said.
According to the retired Commodore, the founding fathers of PDP, led by the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, put ethnicity and religion aside while laying its foundation.
George recalled that by dividing Nigeria into six zones and distributing the top six positions in the country among them, the party fostered inclusion and a sense of belonging.
He expressed fear that holding on to personal ambition may create problems of marginalization and exclusion.
George, who also reflected on the state of the nation, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restructure the country to foster true federalism.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, said this in Abuja, during the first day of the citizen-led hunger protests being held across major cities in Nigeria.
It said that the nationwide protest by Nigerians would have been averted if the APC-led government had dropped its aardship occasioned by its ill-implemented policies.