Waja/Lunguda Crisis: Gombe ban hunting, extends curfew to three communities, others
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe State Government on Monday, placed an indefinite ban on Gaming also known as Hunting, also extended curfew to Sikam, Kulani, and Degri settlements of Balanga Local Government Area, following renewed attacks.
Briefing Journalists after the State Council Security meeting on the raging communal crisis between Lunguda and Waja; Commissioner for Information, Julius Ishaya, hinted that the measures were based on military intelligence on the worsening crisis.
He disclosed that the coverage of the curfew which was just In Nyuwar, Jessu, and Yolde areas, adding that they would be in 24 hours lockdown until peace returns.
Recall that after the 12th and 13th of April carnage in Nyuwar, Hemen (Jessu ward), that lasted for 13 hours, there was resumed attack on 17th and 18th by Gunmen slaughtering residents and burning property.
“We are calling on residents of these areas to be aware and take note. Government is insisting that perpetrators of this heinous act must be fished out by the security agencies in conjunction with the traditional heads of these areas so that they can face the law.
“After today’s council meeting, council discouraged the ethnic profiling of this conflict, all we believe is that these are criminals from both sides that are trying to cause public disturbance. It the activity of both sides that both sides have share of.
“Based on the Governor’s instructions every form of hunting expedition is hereby banned in Gombe State. No body is allowed to go hunting anywhere within the borders of Gombe State. It been prohibited, it banned,” Ishaya said.
The Government’s spokesman also announced the banning of the use of indiscriminate Camouflage (Security agencies uniform), saying “the use of militia uniform is also banned, it is not allowed. The meeting also agreed based on available information that all the land dispute in question before especially in Nyuwar district has been settled by the Bala Waja (Paramount Ruler), as all parties have agreed that land dispute not the cause of crisis.
“20 people died in the crisis and 12 people have been arrested so far by the police.”
