The District Head of Gatawa in Sabono Birni Local Government Area, Isa Muhammad Bawa, has appealed to the state government for assistance as the deadline given by his abductors for the payment of ransom has elapsed.

In a video that trended online, the monarch who has been in captivity for 22 days now, was seen in a blood stained white cloth, with his hands tied from back.

The video could not be independently verified but the member representing Sabon Birni at the State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, confirmed that the person in the video is the District Head.

“I am informing my relatives, well wishers, friends and leaders that today (Wednesday) is the final day, therefore if they want to assist me, they should do so now.”

“I swear to the Almighty Allah that even they ( the bandits) are tired because they too did their best but there is nothing from the government.

“I have been looking forward to their (government) assistance because I have been serving them for about 45 years, in the traditional institution,” he said.

The 74-year-old monarch, his son and younger brother were abducted at Kwanan Maharba along Goronyo-Sabon Birni road while returning from Sokoto.

He is the immediate past Sarkin Gobir Sabon Birni and currently the District Head of Gatawa.

The bandits had earlier demanded the ransom of N1 billion but later reduced it to N500 million. (Weekend Trust)