BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, GOMBE – The Gombe State government is not backing down on the 24 hours curfew imposed on Balanga Local Government Area of the state.
This is meant to calm frayed nerves over the reported loss of innocent lives and destruction of property in the communal clash involving two communities in the state.
With yet to be confirmed number of people killed and several houses destroyed, the Gombe state government swiftly imposed round-the-clock curfew on Nyuwar, Jessu and Yolde communities in Balanga to stop the carnage.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said the decision was meant to check the spate of violence that suddenly erupted within the area.
He expressed confidence that the curfew would douse the tension as well as restore peace and order in the affected areas.
According to the SSG, security personnel deployed to the area have been charged to restore normalcy, adding that the curfew will subsist until further notice.
The government’s position was also confirmed in a statement released by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli.
Reports have it that the clash was between Waja and Lunguda both in Balanga LGA of Gombe state due to reasons yet to be identified.
An indigene of Nyuwar wrote on his Facebook page, “again my community was under severe attack; all houses in the community affected and several deaths with many people unaccounted for. Our family home burnt, relations killed”
He further wrote that; “Why should I not be sad? Oh Lord, is it that we are not praying enough? Why us, father, have mercy on us and forgive those who did these things for they know not what they are doing. Arise Oh Lord and let your enemies be scattered.”
The Facebook user added; “What can I say but to return all the glory unto you Lord. Hmmm my house, my uncle’s house and indeed all my relatives lost their property in Nyuwar, hmmm who will help us? Oh my people all you Labored for just gone like that. It is well. Baba continues to Rest In Peace. Toh ya Allah gamu gareka”.
Efforts to get Police confirmation proved abortive as the PPRO, SP Mary Mallum did not pick up her calls. However, a reliable Police source told Forefront that the State Command has already moved in personnel to restore and maintain peace in the area.
