Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, on Friday mourned the death of traditional ruler of Adara chiefdom, Dr Maiwada Galadima.
Senior special assistant to the governor on media and publicity, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the death in a statement in Kaduna.
“We mourn this quintessential traditional ruler who was killed by his abductors in the early hours of today.
“We are pained and heartbroken that criminal elements have taken away from us a man who did his best for peace and harmony in our state.
“The Kaduna State Government extends its condolences to the family of this revered leader and to people of the chiefdom he led with dedication and commitment.
“Following the abduction of the royal father, the security agencies and the government worked strenuously to secure his release.
“Government is shocked and disappointed by this unfortunate development. The government of Kaduna state and security agencies will pursue justice for this revered man,” he said.
He described Galadima as a man of peace who consistently made positive contributions for the peace and tranquillity in his chiefdom and the entire state.
“He was a gentleman to the core,” he added, stressing that the state has lost a cherished leader.
“The governor on behalf of the government and people of the state extends his deep sympathy to the immediate family and the people of the Adara chiefdom.
“The government also appeals for calm in the chiefdom and beyond as the criminal elements who did the heinous deed should not be allowed to further divide us.”
Galadima, his wife and driver were abducted last Friday during which four people including his police orderly were killed by the kidnappers.
The wife and driver were later released, but the monarch was killed by his abductors who dumped his body by the road at Kateri village, which is a notorious kidnappers den on the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
