Minister of Defence Directs Military to Go After Killers of Sokoto Monarch

In a swift and decisive response to the recent murder of Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa, the traditional ruler of Gagi, a community in Sokoto State, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd), has issued a directive to the Nigerian Armed Forces to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The minister condemned the act as a heinous crime against not just the people of Sokoto but the entire nation, emphasizing that such acts of violence against traditional institutions will not be tolerated.

The tragic incident occurred on August 21, 2024, when Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa was brutally murdered by unknown gunmen in his palace. The killing of the revered monarch has sent shockwaves through the community, sparking widespread grief and calls for justice. The late monarch was highly respected in Sokoto State for his leadership, wisdom, and efforts to promote peace and unity within his community.

Speaking from the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja, Major General Bashir Magashi expressed deep sorrow over the killing of the Sokoto monarch. He described the incident as an attack on the cultural and traditional heritage of Nigeria, stressing the importance of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and stability within their communities.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the brutal murder of Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa. This act of violence is not only a tragedy for the people of Gagi and Sokoto State but also an affront to the peace and security of our nation. Traditional rulers are the custodians of our culture and heritage, and any attack on them is an attack on the soul of our country,” the minister stated.

In a stern directive to the military, Major General Magashi ordered the immediate deployment of troops to Sokoto State to hunt down the culprits. He emphasized that the Nigerian Armed Forces must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are apprehended and brought to justice.

“I have directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to ensure that our forces are deployed immediately to Sokoto State to track down and apprehend the killers of Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to bring these criminals to justice. The Nigerian Armed Forces will not rest until those responsible for this despicable act are held accountable,” the minister added.

Following the minister’s directive, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has launched a coordinated operation in Sokoto State to locate and arrest the perpetrators. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has been tasked with overseeing the operation and ensuring its success. The operation, codenamed “Operation Restore Peace,” involves a comprehensive strategy that includes intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted raids.

As part of the operation, the military has increased its presence in Gagi and surrounding areas, setting up checkpoints and conducting patrols to prevent further violence. The security forces are also working closely with local leaders and community members to gather information that could lead to the identification and capture of the assailants.

Lieutenant General Lagbaja, in a statement, assured the people of Sokoto State that the military is committed to restoring peace and security in the region. “We are fully committed to bringing those responsible for this barbaric act to justice. Our troops are on the ground, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the killers of Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa are apprehended. We urge the community to cooperate with our forces and provide any information that could assist in our operations,” he said.

The killing of Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa has sparked outrage across Nigeria, with many political leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations condemning the act and calling for swift justice. The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of the Gagi monarch, describing him as a pillar of the community who dedicated his life to serving his people.

In a statement issued by the Sultanate Council, the Sultan called for calm and urged the people of Sokoto to remain peaceful while the authorities carry out their investigation. “The murder of Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa is a great loss to the people of Sokoto and the entire nation. We must remain calm and allow the security agencies to do their work. We trust that justice will be served,” the Sultan stated.

The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, also condemned the killing and pledged the state government’s full support for the military’s efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. “The Sokoto State Government will provide all necessary support to the Nigerian Armed Forces in their quest to apprehend the criminals behind this heinous act. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served, and the memory of Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa is honored,” the governor said.

The directive from the Minister of Defence underscores the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the country. With rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violence, the government has intensified its focus on restoring peace and order, particularly in the northern regions.

Major General Magashi reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens and upholding the rule of law. “The Nigerian government is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. We will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten the peace and stability of our nation. The murder of Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa will not go unpunished,” the minister affirmed.

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The murder of Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa has left a void in the Gagi community and Sokoto State at large. As the Nigerian military intensifies its efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, the nation mourns the loss of a respected traditional ruler. The directive from the Minister of Defence represents a strong stance against violence and a commitment to ensuring that justice prevails.