The government of Gombe state has barred hunting activities in the Southern Senatorial district following the suspected launching of attack by hoodlums on Nyuwar, Jessu and Yolde communities of Balanga local government area of the state.
The state government said no fewer than five were killed, several houses reportedly burnt and farm produce destroyed in the renewed communal clash between the Waja and Lunguda in the communities despite the 24- hour curfew imposed by the government on the communities.
Addressing newsmen shortly at an emergency security meeting on Monday in Gombe, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Julius Ishaya, stated that about five people were killed in the renewed attack that is in addition to the 15 lives that had been slaughtered by yet to be identified gunmen on Monday, April 12.
The commissioner warned residents against violating the curfew and announced that due to the escalation and continuous attack on the communities, the rules of engagement by the army and other security agents has changed.
“So, all inhabitants of this area should beware of this new development. Secondly, the government has expanded the coverage of the curfew, the 24 hours curfew use to be in Nyuwar, Jessu and Yolde areas, but the government has expanded the coverage area to include Sikam, Kulani and Degri districts,” Mr Julius said.
He added that the government has said that perpetrators of the attack must be fished out by security agencies in collaboration with the traditional and village heads in the area.
“The meeting also encourages the traditional rulers to continue to engage one another in discussion to solidify the peace-building process that is already on the ground.
“Based on his Excellency’s instructions, every form of hunting expeditions is hereby banned in Gombe state. Nobody is allowed to go hunting anywhere within the borders of Gombe state, and so the use of militia uniform is equally banned,” Mr Julius stated.
