Monarch Isa Bawa has been killed by gunmen due to a delayed ransom payment.

Monarch Isa Bawa has been killed by Gunmen Because of a Delayed Ransom

"Monarch Isa Bawa has been killed by gunmen due to a delayed ransom in Nigeria. He was an influential traditional ruler who was kidnapped last month and was shot dead by his captors on Tuesday, along with his son. They were abducted on the 29th of July while traveling to their native town near the Niger State. The bandits had given a deadline of Tuesday for the ransom payment and threatened to kill the 73-year-old if the money was not paid. Days ago, a video had surfaced where the Monarch was pleading for his release. He was killed while negotiations were ongoing to pay the ransom.

The bandits have reportedly released the Monarch's son after a payment of 60 million naira (over $38,000) and 5 motorcycles as ransom. Nigerian President Buhari has condemned the killing of the Monarch, describing it as deeply disturbing and a heinous crime. He assured Nigerians that his administration is aggressively removing threats to ensure the security of the nation.

However, the authorities have so far failed to tackle the spiraling kidnapping crisis that Nigeria has been facing for years. Though many cases go unrecorded, some reports suggest that more than 4,700 people have been abducted since President Buhari took office in May last year. Various groups are involved in the kidnapping business, operating nationwide and targeting everyone from school children to families of traditional monarchs.

Criminal gangs and bandits operating in several states in Northwestern and Central Nigeria have raided villages from their hideouts, killing and abducting residents as well as looting and burning homes. The North and Northeast regions are also plagued by Islamic militants such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State.

The biggest kidnapping incident was carried out by Boko Haram in 2014, when they abducted nearly 300 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok. Almost 100 of the captives still remain missing. Boko Haram terrorists also killed another traditional ruler in 2014 and made a failed assassination attempt on another traditional ruler.

In 2022, Nigeria passed a law that bans people from paying ransom for their kidnapped loved ones. Those who violate the law could be punished for at least 15 years. However, the law has been widely condemned as insensitive and impractical. People say they have no trust in the authorities, as in most instances they have failed to respond. Many still resort to pooling resources and money to pay the ransom.

Police have deployed anti-kidnap units, but the forests where the gangs hide are difficult to access and control. Some experts believe the country's economic crisis is driving an increase in kidnappings. The high rate of youth unemployment is believed to be a major reason why people are turning to crime for income. Young Nigerians are already frustrated with the rising cost of living and have taken to the streets demanding an end to bad governance. Failed action on the security crisis could further add to people's woes and worries for the president.