UPDATE: Emir of Gwoza dies

      Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Timta

        Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Timta has died after an ambush by suspected gunmen.

Late Timta was waylaid together with  the emir of Uba Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza while on their way to Gombe today.

Competent security sources confirmed that the Gwoza emir is dead.

Some sources said he died of heart attack while fleeing into the bush after the gunmen had fired several gun shoots at their vehicle which forced it to stop.

“Already, arrangement is being made to bring his corpse to Gwoza from Shafa. His corpse was found in the bush,” a source said.

The emir of Uba, who is said to be younger had escaped while many of the people in their entourage have been reportedly abducted by the attackers.

It was gathered that most of the vehicles in the convoy have been set ablaze.

Earlier..  
Latest story from Uba Emirate indicates that the emir, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza has narrowly escaped.

One of his in-laws confirmed to Daily Trust that  he spoke with the emir by phone who confirmed to him that he was ok.

However, there is no certainty on the where about of Emir of Gwoza, Ahaji Idrissa Timta.

It was gathered that the two of them were in the same car when the suspected gunmen ambushed them.

“The vehicle was repeatedly shot at while the driver was making endless efforts to flee. When the vehicle could  no longer move, the two monarchs opened the doors and fled into the bush,” a palace source in Uba, said.

But a source in Gwoza said “We are yet to hear much information on the state of our emir…we are confused,” he said. 

Earlier in the day ....

 Two first Class monarchs in Borno State, including the Emir of Gwoza Alhaji Idrissa Timta and the Emir of Uba,  Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza have been kidnapped by gunmen today.

 They were on their way to Gombe State for the funeral prayers of the Emir of Gombe Alhaji Usman Shehu Abubakar

A top security source in Borno State confirmed the development but asked  not to be named, pointing out that he was not the right person to make formal announcement on the issue.

Sources close to the two palaces said the monarchs were forcefully whisked away by heavily armed men who intercepted their convoy in Zur village near Shafa in Hawul local government of Borno State.

Another first class monarch, the emir of Askira, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama reportedly escaped being kidnapped. He was said to be in Abuja while his representative barely passed the scene of the kidnap when the emir of Gwoza and that of Uba were intercepted.

“We are in a sober mood now in Gwoza because our royal father has been taken away by gunmen…we don’t know who they are…may be members of the Boko Haram,” Mohammed Sanusi, a source in Gwoza said.

Another source from Uba said they got confirmation from security sources that their emir was taken away.

It is not yet clear if members of  their entourage were also taken away.

“Not a single vehicle in the convoy is back…not even the policemen,” the source in Uba said.

Boko Haram insurgents have abducted 276 girls in Chibok on April 14^th and only few of them returned.

Both Gwoza, Chibok and Uba are in southern Borno where the Boko Haram fighters have overrun many villages and hoisted their flags.

Details later.....

(Daily Trust)