How Emir Of Gwoza Died While Trying To Escape From Boko Haram’s Gunmen

Right Emir of Gwoza, Idrisa Timta. Left Emir of Uba, Ismaila Mamza

 

First class traditional ruler of Gwoza area of Borno State, Alhaji Idrissa Timta, has reportedly died of heart attack after suspected Boko Haram gunmen attempted to kidnap him along with Emir of Uba.

Earlier reports indicated that armed men believed to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist sect had kidnapped two Borno State first class traditional rulers. Security officials in the area have disclosed that the two rulers are the Emir of Uba, Ismaila Mamza, and the Emir of Gwoza, Idrisa Timta. The two were given the status of first class traditional rulers in January this year.

The incident happened near Shaffa town in Zur village, Hawul local government area of Borno State, at about 10 a.m. today as the Emirs were on their way to Gombe State to attend the funeral ceremony of the Emir of Gombe, Shehu Abubakar, who passed away on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses say the monarchs were forcefully whisked away by heavily armed men suspected to be members of Boko Haram.

According to the latest updates, the Gwoza Emir might have died while runnning for his life as the gunmen ambushed their convoy and forced it to stop. The body was allegedly found in the bush.

The younger Emir of Uba has reportedly escaped while many of the people in their entourage have been abducted by the attackers. Most of the vehicles in the convoy have been set on fire.

Another first class monarch, the Emir of Askira Alhaji Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama was in Abuja at the time of the kidnap. His representative has avoided the armed gunmen who intercepted the rulers of Uba and Gwoza. His well-being was confirmed by one of his relatives who spoke to journalists on the phone.

In the past couple of months, Borno State has been a frequent target for Boko Haram insurgents. Although the military and civilian vigilante groups are fighting the terrorists, many villages have been destroyed and ravaged. Hundreds of girls kidnapped by the Boko Haram from Chibok town still remain in their hands.