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LG Chairmen get security alert on churches
BY AKANJI ADEYEMI, GOMBE – The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed four deaths from the crisis over the Mai Tangale chieftaincy stool in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.
This is as the State Security Council has issued a security alert to all Local Government Councils chairmen to beef up security and surveillance at churches to avert possible reprisal attacks by some unscrupulous elements.
Besides the reported fatality figures by the police, 16 persons have also been arrested with 15 of them soon to appear in court following the violent protest last weekend.
However, one of the suspect identified as a security personnel is currently under further investigations by the police.
The State Commissioner of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation, Mr Dauda Batari Zambuk said an expanded Security Council meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya confirmed the latest development late on Monday evening.
Zambuk said the meeting, convened as part of ongoing efforts to address traditional leadership tussle in Billiri, also condemned fake news currently awash on the social media and directed security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and purveyors for prosecution.
He said in rebuking unscrupulous characters, who seek to create ugly scenarios that do not exist in the now crisis-ridden area, the Council said arresting and prosecuting persons with evil intentions to cause disaffection among the people will serve as a deterrent for other with any criminal intentions.
Zambuk further disclosed that security personnel are ready to track down masterminds of the crisis, adding that highlights of the meeting was the Council’s expression of sadness over the “senseless killings and destruction of property” in Billiri which it noted have unfortunately been tainted with religious and political undercurrents.
According to the Commissioner, who spoke at a media briefing, among resolutions adopted by the Council include establishing an assessment team to determine those affected; properties destroyed; and lives lost during the mayhem in order to support all the victims.
Zambuk assured that government has already moved to douse the tension and calm frayed nerves among the people with proactive measures that include engaging all religious groups, leaders and other relevant stakeholders to forestall reprisal attacks.
The Commissioner said the Council meeting also decided that on a Commission of Inquiry to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the crisis to prevent a recurrence.
He therefore expressed the Council’s condolences to families of the deceased and prayed for quick recovery of all those injured as well as others who suffered huge losses in the unfortunate incident, saying that God will replenish and restore them all.
At the Security Council meeting were Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau; Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners of Justice, Internal Security and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Heads of security agencies in the State and Chairmen of the 11 Local Government Councils in the state
