By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for the overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture to a more effective fight against banditry.

This is following bandits’ murder of Sarkin Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa, the District Head of Batawa in Sokoto State, after his abduction.

A statement by the forums spokesperson Prof T A Muhammad-Baba on Friday, August 23, 2024, reads: “It is with profound sadness that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) received news of the callous murder a few days ago of Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa, Sarkin Gobir, the District Head of Gatawa, Sokoto State.

“It will be recalled that the traditional ruler together with his son, were earlier abducted on Saturday, August 18th, 2024, by bandits who demanded a huge ransom, as they are wont to these days.

“ACF understands that while efforts were being made to meet the demands, the bandits got impatient, subjected the traditional ruler to torture and eventually murdered him.

“ACF hopes that the incident will not worsen inter-communal harmony in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, as in such a reaction innocent persons will pay the price for the action of the tiny group of murderous miscreants.

“ACF extends heart-felt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased traditional ruler, as well as to the Sokoto State Government, the Sokoto Sultanate Council and the Council and people of Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

“ACF calls for calm and enjoins the Government of Sokoto State, security agencies, traditional rulers and leaders of thought to move swiftly to calm frayed nerves and ensure that the gory incident does not lead to further breakdown of law and order While further details of the dastardly act are being awaited, ACF calls for thorough investigations into the whole circumstances of the sordid incident it is totality.

“ACF also reiterates its call, for the umpteenth time, for a thorough review and overhaul of Nigeria’s National Security Architecture so that the scourge of banditry and terrorism is most effectively terminated. Clearly, the current approach is to yield the needed results.

“Indeed, incidents such as the murder of the traditional ruler as well as other abductions in recent times are poignant pointers to the fact that the problem is spreading and must be truncated before it cripples the country.

“For now, Arewa, in particular is on its knees. The Federal Government must act swiftly to restore peace and restore the people’s trust and confidence. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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