A 90-year-old man was burnt to death, while two other persons have been confirmed dead following the invasion of Amtawalam and Pobawure communities in the Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, by bandits early Thursday.
Speaking during an assessment of the scene of the incident on Friday, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya decried the killings and destruction of food items.
He described the assailants as ‘bandits and cattle rustlers’, stressing that such actions capable of causing chaos would not be tolerated by his government.
“We came to see for ourselves the level of destruction and lives lost as a result of the attack by bandits, cattle rustlers in this two communities Amtawalam and Pobawure.
“It’s really very disheartening because of the peaceful nature of our place and we have been living in peace. It seems like the spiral effect of the activities of bandits in Bauchi and Plateau states is coming to our state Gombe,” Yahaya said.
He disclosed that he had ordered for an immediate establishment of police outpost, while harping on the importance of community participation in maintaining security.
He added, “Community policing is of essence. We will ensure community policing takes place not only here but the entire state, knowing full well we have our outfit like GOSTEC, the vigilance group and other agencies, we shall all join hands and we shall succeed.”
On his part, Commissioner of Police, Oqua Etim, “The bandits came specially to destroy their farm produce; they did not steal anything. We are on top of the situation, that is why we are here. The moment His Excellency got the news, he gave directives that we should be on the ground and ensure law and order.
“Three causalities, a 90-year-old man was burnt and two other young persons were savagely killed and we have recorded two to three injured.”
