Northern Elders Forum Condemns Heinous Abduction and Murder of Emir of Gobir
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly condemned the abduction and subsequent murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad, calling it a “heinous and merciless” act that has sent shockwaves through society.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Northern Elders Forum, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the abduction and murder of the Emir represents a profound attack on cultural heritage, customary authority, and the social fabric of the region. The NEF has expressed its deepest condolences to the Sultan of Sokoto, the family of the deceased emir, and the people of Gobir.
The statement emphasized that the killing of the Emir is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a worrying trend of violence and lawlessness that has plagued Northern Nigeria. The NEF called for justice, demanding that all relevant stakeholders, including government authorities and security agencies, take decisive steps to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The forum warned that allowing such criminals to escape unpunished would only embolden them, exacerbating the cycle of violence and instability that has become all too common in the region. The NEF also urged policymakers to address the root causes of insecurity, including economic disenfranchisement, rampant poverty, and inadequate governance.
The statement concluded that a mere reactive approach, characterized by military interventions, is insufficient to tackle the deep-seated issues plaguing Northern Nigeria. Instead, a comprehensive reevaluation of the security architecture is needed to address the underlying chaos and insecurity that has plagued the region.
The NEF’s condemnation of the Emir’s murder is a stark reminder of the fragility of traditional institutions and the need for urgent action to address the security challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
