As Sultan decries insecurity: Gunmen storm Sokoto, kill monarch
President General Jama’atu Nasril Islam and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has lamented the rising cases of armed banditry, kidnapping, theft and poverty, while urging Muslims to pray fervently for peace, security and blessings in Nigeria.
He said this as gunmen stormed Balle community in Gudu local government area of Sokoto state and shot dead its traditional ruler, Aliyu Ibrahim.
The gunmen reportedly arrived the community on motorcycles shooting sporadically into the air as residents ran into hiding to avoid being hit by stray bullets.
But in his Ramadan message to the Muslim Ummah Wednesday, the Sultan tasked Nigerian Muslims to use the holy month to beseech Allah to bring an end to the spate of kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria and restore peace and blessings to the country.
The monarch spoke in a statement by the JNI Secretary General, Dr Khalid Aliyu in Kaduna.
He said: “Following the successful commencement of Ramadan fasting two days ago, JNI, under the leadership of His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, as it was very pleasing that Allah (SWT) made the commencement in harmony Alhamdulillah.
“Ramadan is a month of servitude and dedication to Allah, the Most High, self-restraint and patience, thus we must collectively strive to earn Allah’s pleasure, and forgiveness in this blessed month. We must be more dedicated to the worship of Allah now and beyond as there is no better time than the month of Ramadan.
“JNI has been calling on Muslims to fervently pray for the restoration of security, peace, stability, progress and development in Nigeria. We once again reiterate same call, as the situation seems to be deteriorating with armed banditry, kidnappings, theft and abject poverty on the increase.
“JNI uses this medium to call on the Nigerian Muslims to redouble their respective efforts in being more God-conscious through punctual observance of the five daily and Taraweeh prayers congregationally, frequent recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, ardent supplications, as well as continued remembrance of Allah (SWT).
“Governments at all levels as well as individuals who have the wherewithal are called upon to extend benevolent gestures – such as alms giving and supports to the indigents in severe need, as well as millions of IDPs spread across the country. This is the most appropriate time to show compassion and of course, the needy would want to see such assistance now. Moreover, it is more rewarding.
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“Similarly, JNI uses this medium to remind leaders at all levels that success shall only come their respective ways when they rollout friendly policies to the citizenry. At the moment, the outcry is loud and clear! Therefore, this period should be a sober reflection time for us all to make the necessary amend, in order to seek Allah’s pleasure.
“Mufasseerun (scholars engaged in the exegesis of Glorious Qur’an) are urged to put the citizenry on the pedestal of goodness and be reminded of the consequences of vices. In addition, they are implored to conduct their respective Tafseer sessions in line with the Qur’an and sunnah of the Noble Prophet, using courteous language and kind words. They should as well shun bad preaching during the Tafseer sessions. JNI wishes all Muslim faithful an accepted and rewarding Ramadan.”
Gunmen on Tuesday stormed Balle community in Gudu local government area of Sokoto state, killing its traditional ruler, Aliyu Ibrahim.
It was gathered that the bandits stormed the community on motorcycles shooting sporadically into the air as residents ran into hiding to avoid being hit by stray bullets.
The source, who craved anonymity, said the gunmen went straight to Balle police station where they burnt down patrol vehicles and the building before moving to the palace of the district head where they gunned him down in cold blood.
“The gunmen, upon arrival at the emir’s palace, found the compound gate was locked. They, however, jumped through the fence while others were stationed outside. After killing the district head, they rode their motorcycles and fled,” the witness said.
It was, however, not clear whether they killed security personnel at the police station.
He said no civilian was reported killed during the attack, “as the gunmen were reportedly from Niger Republic, and were on a planned revenge attack targeting only the district head.”
The source said many residents attributed the killing to vengeance as the traditional leader was the one who allegedly reported the activities of the bandits to security agencies.
The police in Sokoto are yet to speak on the incident as the command’s spokesperson, Muhammad Sadiq, did not pick or return calls to his phone Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
A Twitter user, @Nasirmagori, lamented the killing of the traditional ruler: “With deepest sorrow, I announce the death of the district head of Balle, Gudu LG Sokoto who was slaughtered by unknown gunmen at his residence in Balle in an attack yesterday. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Nigerian Army had earlier announced a ban on the use of motorcycles in seven northern states, including Sokoto to curb the rising spate of violence.
Balle is the headquarters of Gudu local government area, and an ancient community.
In 1804, it was the capital of Sokoto caliphate and shares boundary with the Republic of Niger.
