BAIDOA, Somalia, March 31, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Unknown gunmen shot and killed renowned clan elder in Baidoa’s Boqoleyda neighborhood on Monday night according to officials, Garowe Online reports.

Late Ali Abdi Hidow was gunned down along with his wife, with the assailants taking away a colossal amount meant for blood compensation.

Security forces launched search operation in pursuit of attackers; nevertheless no details on the matter have been released to the media yet.

 A spokesman for Bay clan elders Mohamed Yacqub Malaq condemned the killing of the clan elder, calling on local authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Southwest state administration officials Tuesday attended a funeral held for the assassinated elder in Baidoa.

The security situation has been deteriorating over the last few months as suspected Al Shabaab gunmen have targeted clerics aligned with the paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea in planned assassinations. 

GAROWE ONLINE