•Accused legislator denies involvement

The son of the late Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, has accused a sitting member of the State House of Assembly of being complicit in his father’s abduction and subsequent murder.

The late Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District was abducted by bandits and later killed.

According to Bawa’s son, the abductors revealed that Hon. Aminu Boza, the representative of Sabon Birnin Gobir in the Sokoto State Assembly, was involved in the plot.

The gunmen allegedly told Bawa that Boza provided them with crucial information needed to carry out the kidnapping, and also paid them N5 million.

Boza is a current member of the Sokoto State Assembly representing Sabon Birnin Gobir.

In a video, the son of the late Bawa is seen lying on a sickbed while receiving treatment.

“The bandits said in front of me that Aminu Boza was the one who gave them the guns to kidnap us,” he said.

“They were given the weapons during the campaign period, and they told my father that they did not know him from anywhere but were paid N5 million to kidnap him. They also said that if the ransom wasn’t paid, they were to kill him.”

However, in a viral audio that surfaced on Friday, the lawmaker denied being involved in any criminal activities or being associated with the bandits.

Boza said, “I am declaring to the whole world that these allegations will never discourage me from fighting against banditry.

“However, I want to make it clear that I am not involved in any criminal activities or associated with the bandits in any way.”

He explained that he had contacted top security personnel and requested their assistance in establishing security camps in Zulum, Tusawa, Tagriki, Corner Tabazawa, and other affected areas.

“If we have security operatives and camps in these areas, we will be relieved of insecurity. However, currently, there is no security presence in any of these locations,” he stated.

He said as a result, the bandits are gaining more power to launch attacks at will.

“Negotiating with the bandits will not work; if we negotiate with them, we will be undermining justice,” he said.

The lawmaker said unfortunately the federal government prioritises negotiations with the bandits, but stressed tha the approach will not yield the expected results.

He said, "As I have always said, we need to unite and eliminate these bandits to achieve lasting peace.

“Until now, I have consistently urged the government not to negotiate with them. These bandits are criminals and cannot be trusted. I understand that fighting the bandits will not be easy, but if it costs my life, I will be content knowing I did everything to satisfy my conscience.”

“I would be proud to die fighting the bandits if it means we can rid our community of them and restore peace,” he added. (Adapted from a SaharaReporters report)

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