It was a black Friday for the traditional institution in the country as the dreaded Islamist sect; Boko Haram ambushed three Emirs and killed the Emir of Gwoza, Idrissa Timta in the process.
Borno State Government and Defence Headquarters in separate statements confirmed the death of the Emir of Gwoza and the rescue of two others- the Emir of Askira, Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama and Emir of Uba, Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza.
The three Emirs were travelling in the same vehicle to Gombe for the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe.
They were attacked around 9.00 am by gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram along Tashan Alade on the way to Biu to pick up the Emir of Biu so they could drive in convoy to Gombe.
Confirming the death, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said troops engaged the terrorists as they attacked the Emirs, rescuing two and recovered the body of Emir of Gwoza.
Olukolade’s statement reads, “A band of terrorists today attacked a convoy of the Emirs of Gwoza, Uba and Askira who were travelling to Gombe for the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe.
“Troops deployed in Garkida responded to the attack. The Emirs of Uba and Askira were secured while the body of Emir of Gwoza who died in the attack has been recovered. Troops are currently on aggressive patrols along the entire route with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and keeping the area safe.
“Meanwhile, raids carried out by troops of the Special Task Force operating in the north-central part of the country have led to the arrest of 23 members of armed gangs terrorizing the region.
“The suspects including a hard drugs supplier were apprehended during raids on camps and criminal hideouts located in Bukuru, Jos South and Barkin Ladi general areas.
“All the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation before they will be handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency.
Borno State Government in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government, Baba Ahmed Jidda, also confirmed the death of the Emir, whom he said was of a First Class status following recent elevation approved by Governor Kashim Shettima.
Jidda, described the late First Class Emir as “indeed a great man who worked very hard to promote peace and progress in Gwoza.
“He was a pillar and one of the rallying points in Borno State. He visibly worked very hard in the search for peace in Gwoza since the insurgency began”.
“Borno State Government is terribly shocked by this incident. The Government prays that Allah admits the late Emir into aljanna Firadaus and give family, members of the Gwoza Emirate Council, the people of Gwoza, the State Council of Chiefs and the entire people of Borno State the fortitude to bear this very traumatic loss especially at a time the State is still dealing with equally disturbing issues related with security challenges in the State,” he said.
