… As Gov Yahaya orders tracking of killers
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command has confirmed the gruesome murder of a Clergyman, Rev Bala Galadima, Pastor of Evangelical Church Wining All (ECWA) in Lubo, Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of the State.
The Command in a statement by DSP Buhari Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer, said the Force has launched an immediate tracking down of the perpetrators, describing it as robbery incident which claimed a life.
Abdullahi said; “Information received from the officer in-charge of Lubro Out station through Kwadon Divisional Police Officer, had it that armed robbers bearing guns entered into the house of Mrs. Elizabeth Obed, 32 years old and robbed her of money, amounting to ₦322,000.
“Shortly after, the robbers moved in to the house of Rev. Bala Galadima, 52 years, attacked him and demanded money from him. The victim told them that he did not have money and the robbers ranksacked his house.
“However, when there was no money to rob from him, the robbers shot him at the back and they fled the village. The victim was rushed to Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe for treatment and later confirmed dead.
“In response to this unfortunate incident and incessant increase in criminal activities in some parts of the State, the Commissioner of Police (CP) convened an emergency meeting with senior officers in the command headquarters to address the issue and strategize on the measure to combat the emerging threats in the State,” Abdullahi explained.
The police command in Gombe State urged members of the public to cooperate with the Force while marking frantic efforts to resolve and combat the emerging threats in the State.
Meanwhile, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed deep sorrow over the gruesome murder of Reverend Bala Galadima, who was murdered in the early hours of Sunday by suspected armed robbers at his residence in Lubo.
Governor Yahaya while condemning the reprehensible act, described it as an assault on the peace and security that Gombe State has long enjoyed.
The Governor stressed that such incidents must not be allowed to undermine the peaceful coexistence in the state and assured that his administration will not allow criminal elements to disrupt the harmony and security that define the state.
Yahaya said; “I have directed security agencies to leave no stone unturned in tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. I want to reassure the good people of Gombe State that government remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring their safety and security.
“We will continue to take decisive measures and deploy superior force to eliminate criminal elements wherever they may be hiding,” he assured.
The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the ECWA Church, and the entire Christian community, as well as prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased clergy.
