News
Tragic Death Of Sarkin Gobir Reopens Historical Tensions
The recent killing of Sarkin Gobir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, by armed bandits, predominantly identified as Fulanis, has reignited deep-seated historical rivalries stemming from the conquest of the seven Hausa States.
The tragic news surfaced on Wednesday afternoon, revealing that the respected District head had been murdered after being held captive for over a month.
In a distressing viral video released shortly before his death, Sarkin Gobir pleaded for government intervention to secure his release from a hidden location in the forest.
The video depicted him as a victim of brutal treatment by his captors, who appeared to be Fulanis, and included a chilling ultimatum demanding a ransom payment within a day or face execution.
Tragically, it was reported at noon on Wednesday that the Sarkin Gobir had been killed, a fact confirmed by his son, Alhaji Shu’aibu Gwanda Gobir.
Shu’aibu confirmed the incident during an interview with DW Radio.
Shu’aibu, who also holds the traditional title of ‘Magajin Garin Gobir’ (Mayor of Gobir Municipal), disclosed that the bandits had initially requested a ransom of N60 million for his father’s release.
Although the funds were raised just two days prior to the news of his death, the family did not have the opportunity to deliver the ransom.
Gobir, historically known as a city-state in modern-day Nigeria, was founded by the Hausa people in the 11th century and remained under their rule for nearly 700 years.
It is located in the northern part of the ancient Hausaland, encompassing parts of what is now Sokoto State in Nigeria and the southern Niger Republic.
The Gobirawa (Gobir people), as the inhabitants are known, have a rich cultural heritage rooted in Hausa traditions.
Among these is a humorous cultural reference where the Gobirawa regard the Yoruba people as their ‘cousins,’ stemming from a belief in a shared ancestry linked to the daughter of Bawa Jan Gwarzo.
The Fulani jihadist Usman dan Fodio’s invasion of Gobir, led by ruler Yunfa, marked a significant turning point in the region’s history, resulting in the transition of the seven Hausa States to the emirate system, thereby altering the traditional leadership structure.
Yunfa, who ruled from 1801 to 1808, is particularly noted for his contentious relationship with the Islamic reformer Shaikh Usman dan Fodio whose war started in 1804.
The seven principal Hausa states, known as Hausa Bakwai (Biram, Daura, Gobir, Kano, Katsina, Rano, and Zaria), along with their satellite states, were historically independent entities with no central authority, often lacking cohesion in military endeavors.
The legendary narrative of Bayajidda, a prince from Baghdad, is said to have led to the founding of these states, with each of his seven sons establishing their own kingdoms.
Tensions between the Hausa and Fulani have persisted, intensifying since President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration began in 2015.
This rivalry has given rise to various groups, such as Yan Sakai and Fulani youth associations, formed as protective factions within their respective communities.
The escalating conflict has also fostered a culture of banditry, with kidnapping emerging as a prevalent method for raising funds.
In light of these events, a Hausa woman has recently taken to social media, urging her fellow kinsmen to unite against the perceived encroachment by Fulani ideology.
She emphasised the need for solidarity among the Hausa people, regardless of their religious affiliations, to confront the violence affecting their villages.
The tragic death of Sarkin Gobir has, as reported by Elanza News, reopened historical wounds, highlighting the ongoing struggles and complexities of the region’s socio-political landscape.
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged that Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria.
Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who’s still in the US, claimed the move is linked to her participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York on 11 March, where she raised concerns about her suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
She disclosed this to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Sunday.
She said, “I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja.”
IPOB Lawyer Demands Probe By Security Operatives
Onitsha-based trader had been hospitalised following the
reported looting of her medicine store by officials of the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The looting as contained in a viral footage, has attracted wild condemnation.
Consequently, a lawyer and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has demanded an investigation by security into the act perpetrated by NAFDAC officials.
As at the time of this report, NAFDAC is said to be preparing its response to the allegation.
While describing the heart-wrenching testimony of the devastated trader as both troubling and unacceptable, he said the woman is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from the traumatic incident.
Ejiofor, also a lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a statement said it is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the viral video showing a female trader alleging that her shop was looted by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This alarming footage exposes a grave injustice that demands urgent action.
“Recently, I strongly condemned the indiscriminate closure of shops under the guise of combating counterfeit drugs. While the fight against fake pharmaceuticals is crucial, it must be carried out through lawful and ethical means that do not jeopardize the livelihoods of innocent traders. Unfortunately, our worst fears have now materialized.
“In my previous public statement, I urged security agencies and NAFDAC to investigate their personnel implicated in these allegations. However, despite the gravity of the situation, no action has been taken.
“This latest evidence – captured on video – clearly exposes officials entrusted with regulatory enforcement, allegedly engaging in outright looting, betraying public trust.
“The heart-wrenching testimony of this devastated trader is both troubling and unacceptable. Disturbingly, information available to us confirms that this innocent woman is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from this traumatic incident. This is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
‘I, therefore, call upon the relevant security agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and comprehensive investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act.
“NAFDAC must urgently assess and provide commensurate reparations for this devastating loss, ensuring that justice is not only served but also felt by the victims. Justice delayed is justice denied. Immediate disciplinary and legal measures must be enforced to restore public confidence in our institutions.
“Such misconduct has no place in a society striving for justice, peace, and economic stability. The livelihoods of hardworking citizens must be protected, and those who abuse their positions of trust must face the full weight of the law. If we fail to act decisively, we risk enabling a culture of impunity that will only deepen public distrust in our institutions.”
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The quest to upgrade , promote and advance Secondary Education by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike through technological advancement is undaunted, not minding some drawbacks brought about by the operators before his assumption of duty.
Under his special arrangements and Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that is attracting massive infrastructure development, provision of equipment and manpower to the FCT secondary schools by discouraging the manual , local and outdated infrastructures, hence embarked by Wike led administration through massive construction, renovation and reconstruction of schools across the FCT with modest high tech equipment, including the provision of mobile clinics and portable water for students consumption, the desire to place them in line with the global standards with the attainment and provision of ICT equipment in line with the modest policies became germane.
Without mincing words , he announced the massive reorganisation, reactivation and rehabilitation of all facets of Secondary Education in the nation’s city , to bridge both the dearth of learning , equipment among many others lacking in the FCT, including the inculcation of Information and Communication Technology ICT facilities.
Aside the provision of secondary schools education to FCT residents , 36 states indigenes residents in the FCT including the adjoining states of Kogi , Niger, Nasssarawa, Kaduna and Plateau state took advantage of the proximity to move their wards into benefiting from the secondary education curricula in the FCT.
Since Secondary Schools Education is now inculcated into Basic Education in line with the new policy thrust of the federal government, the need to rejig it cannot be overstressed, therefore desiring Urgent and adequate attention through manpower reorientation, equipment rejigging ,provision and monitoring.
The Nyesom Wike led FCT administration as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed confronted by tackling the issue of Information and Communication Technology ICT, that will bring in tandem programs of the secondary schools , exposed the pupils and teachers , streamline it to compete favourably with both local and international programs.
Having tackled the gradual reconstruction, rehabilitation and replacement of major equipment including manpower and technical know how , he embarked on the provision of ICT equipment and facilities in all secondary schools in FCT with initial supplies of 850 computer tablets and 45 laptops distributed across 20 public senior secondary schools across six area councils of Bwari , Gwagwalada , Kuje, Abuja Municipal Council AMAC, Kwali and Abaji area councils with each school taken initial possession from the maiden distribution of Information and Communication Technology ICT facilities of 42 computer tablets for students and two laptops for ICT teachers and instructors.
According to the FCT Minister, the new policy thrust on provision of ICT facilities debuted in the 20 public schools will gradually trickle down to all the public schools across the FCT before the end of the first term of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu first term to boost not only information and communication technology ICT, not only in secondary schools, but across educational institutions in the FCT.
According to him, these resources will boost digital literacy, improve teaching methodologies, and ensure that students are equipped for the technology-driven world, it will also contribute positively to academic performance in FCT schools as training for optimal use will commence immediately .
Accordingly , these resources provided by the Minister , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike will boost digital literacy, improve teaching methodologies, and ensure that students are equipped for the technology-driven world.
The facilities if used effectively and efficiently will contribute positively to academic performance in FCT schools as training for optimal use will commence immediately, in line with the vision and mission of the Wike led FCT administration.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.