LAGOS
A prominent Nigerian traditional ruler was killed and two others abducted on Friday by suspected Boko Haram militants in Nigeria's northeastern region, local officials have confirmed.
Earlier in the day, local and military sources told Anadolu Agency that two traditional leaders had been abducted on Friday morning while en route to the northeastern Gombe State.
"At around 10:30am today, the emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Timta, and [the emir] of Uba, Alhaji Ismaila Mamza, were kidnapped on their way to Gombe for the burial of Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, the emir of Gombe who died yesterday in London," a military source told AA.
Borno State government officials have confirmed the attack, which they said had involved three emirs, including Timta, who has now been confirmed dead from gunshot injuries.
"The Borno State government regrets to announce the unfortunate murder of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gwoza Alhaji Idrissa Timta," government secretary Baba Ahmed Jidda said in a statement Friday evening.
Jidda confirmed that the three emirs had been going to Gombe to attend a funeral when their convoy came under attack by gunmen who "came after the convoy, specifically targeted the vehicle conveying the three emirs, and opened fire."
"The emir of Gwoza was unfortunately killed by the attackers, while the emirs of Askira and Uba escaped unhurt," the statement added. "The late emir was in the first-class status following his recent elevation by Governor Kashim Shettima."
Gwoza resident Dauda Adamu said news of the kidnappings had reached the town.
"It is very devastating news," he told AA. "We suspect these guys want to use the emirs to extort the government or make another loud statement after they abducted many schoolgirls just last month."
Boko Haram militants abducted scores of schoolgirls last month and demanded the release of detained comrades in exchange for their release.
Emirs are powerful personages who usually travel with many aides, including security agents with great swordsmanship skills.
As first-class rulers, they are entitled to police escort.
Neither the police nor the local Borno government has commented on Friday's abductions.
The attack, which came one day after Jonathan's government hinted at a possible amnesty offer for Boko Haram militants who renounce violence, could be a blow to advocates of dialogue and amnesty for the militant sect.
Boko Haram, which means "Western education is forbidden" in Nigeria's local Hausa language, first emerged in the early 2000s preaching against government misrule and corruption.
The group later became violent, however, after the death of its leader in 2009 while in police custody.
It has been blamed for numerous attacks – on places of worship and government institutions – and thousands of deaths.
By Rafiu Ajakaye
www.aa.com.tr/en
