15 people killing: Not Lunguda/Waja crisis but Communal clash- Gombe Govt
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe State Commissioner for Information, Julius Ishaya, has debunked insinuations that Tuesday, killing has traces of the infamous Lunguda/Waja animosity, adding that it was a communal clash.
Ishaya made the clarification while addressing journalists, shortly after an Executive Council Meeting presided by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.
Recall that thousands of property were burnt and 15 dead bodies recovered in Nyuwar, Hemen in Jessu ward, both in Balanga Local Government.
However, investigations conducted earlier by our correspondent and eyewitness account points that Waja/ Lunguda have had long time history of communal clashes.
He disclosed that council frowned at the massive destruction, however appealed to the concerned parties to sheathe their sword and embrace peace.
Ishaya said, “Council today deliberated extensively on the ugly development that occurred in Nyuwar, Jessu and Hemen area of Balanga Local Government. It was a communal clash, it was not the Lunguda/Waja people.
“It is quite an unfortunate development. Yesterday (Tuesday) the governor paid on – the -spot visit to assess the situation and today the situation was discussed in council extensively. Council condemned in totality that ugly incident where brothers, were killing brothers and destroying property.
“The governor first imposed curfew and directed that relief materials be taken to the displaced members of those communities. Council sued for peace in those communities and other parts of Gombe State knowing full well no meaningful development will take place without place.”