By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A group of terrorists, locally dubbed as bandits, have reportedly kidnapped the four family members of a popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad in Sokoto State.
Posts shared on X (formerly Twitter) by security sources in the area asserted that the terrorists accosted the cleric’s car while he was travelling with his family in the northwest region of Nigeria.
An X user stated the driver was shot dead by the terrorists who also abducted the cleric’s wife, two children, stepmother and sister.
The post reads: “Bandits have abducted Sheikh Dr. Bashir Ahmad Sokoto family including his wife, two children, stepmother and sister. The driver transporting them was killed. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Sokoto is a renowned Islamic scholar in Nigeria.”
Media also observed that many users had also posted about the incident on X.
A user, Bazamfe wrote: “I received sad message that bandits have abducted Sheikh Bashir Sani Sokoto’s family including his wife, two children, stepmother and sister. The driver transporting them was killed. May the Almighty Allah rescue them.”
Masses Eagle wrote: “Bandits abducted Sheikh Dr. Bashir Ahmad Sokoto family including his wife, two children, stepmother and sister. The driver transporting them was killed.”
Bilal Yusuf wrote: “Innalillahi Wa’inna Ilaihi Raji’un!!!Bandits have abducted Sheikh Dr. Bashir Ahmad Sokoto family including his wife, two children, stepmother and sister. The driver transporting them was killed. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Sokoto is a renowned Islamic scholar in Nigeria.”
All efforts made by SaharaReporters to get the reaction of Sokoto Police Command on the incidents were not successful.
The Command PRO, Rufai Ahmad did not answer repeated calls and text messages sent to him.
This incident is coming barely two weeks after the terrorists brutally killed the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa in Sokoto State
SaharaReporters had reported that Bawa, who was abducted by terrorists, cried out for help in a video released by the gunmen before his death.
The Emir and his son were kidnapped in July at the Kwanar Maharba area while travelling from Sokoto to his home town, Sabon Birni, the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government of Sokoto State.
“The bandits on sighting the Emir’s vehicle, started shooting guns which resulted in the tires of the vehicle bursting, and the driver losing control of the car. This forced the car to suddenly stop,” Gobir, one of his sons had said.
“The bandits abducted the district head and his driver who happens to be his biological son.”
The abductors few days after the incident requested the sum of N1 billion as ransom for the release of the victims.
Posts shared on X (formerly Twitter) by security sources in the area asserted that the terrorists accosted the cleric’s car while he was travelling with his family in the northwest region of Nigeria.