The minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle has said the federal government will bring killers of Isa Bawa, head of Gatawa district in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto, to justice.
Bawa died in captivity on Tuesday after three weeks with the abductors.
The Gatawa district head was kidnapped in the Kwanar Maharba area in Sokoto while returning from an event.
Shortly before he was killed, a viral video had shown the traditional ruler appealing to the state government to give in to the requests of the bandits.
On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu depicted Bawa’s death as “deeply disturbing” and a “heinous act” that will not go without a resolute response.
Via a statement made available on Friday, Henshaw Ogubike, director of information and public relations in the ministry of defence, quoted Matawalle as directing Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff, to instantaneously launch a thorough investigation into the incident and make sure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The Minister of State for Defence has strongly condemned the brutal killing of the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa, describing it as heinous and unacceptable,” the statement reads.
“He said the killing of Bawa was a senseless and brutal act that would not be tolerated.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“Consequent to this, Matawalle has directed the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The minister said the president prioritises security, stressing that the armed forces will leave no stone unturned to apprehend and prosecute the culprits.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” Matawalle added.
Matawalle also expressed condolences to the family of the late monarch, the people of Gatawa, and the government of Sokoto state.