Lunguda/Waja attack: Gombe Govt relaxes dusk to dawn curfew
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Monday, presided over an expanded security council meeting with stakeholders, calling on both aggrieved parties to embrace peace in the spirit of forgiveness.
Paramount ruler of Waja Chiefdom, Bala Waja, Alhaji Muhammad Mohammed revealed this shortly after a 5 hours meeting which had in attendance current Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, and two former Deputy Governors Hon. John Lazarus Yoriyo; Mr. Thaanda Rubainu, former chief judge Justice Hakila Heman, heads of security agencies, district heads from Balanga LGA among other community and religious leaders from the area.
Mohammed said the meeting, had eventually yielded the desired result, adding that the communities had resolved to sheathe their swords by forgiving one another.
“The Governor had presided over several similar meetings since the eruption of the crisis in April 2021 aside from his numerous interventions in relieving the affected communities and I am happy to tell you that today the aggrieved parties have agreed to forgive one another in the spirit of oneness,” Mohammed said.
While appealing to locals on exile from the affected communities and others displaced by the sad development to return to their communities to continue their livelihood especially now that the rainy season has set in for farming activities.
Bala Waja added, “It is high time for us to believe that we need one another to progress as a chiefdom and the restoration of peace in the affected communities in Waja Chiefdom is the solution to our development as such let us forget the past and restore the long standing brotherhood we were known for.”
Recall that our correspondent, had earlier reported that no fewer than 21 deaths in the April 12,13, 17 and 18 attacks with hundreds of houses and food items destroyed.
Meanwhile, following the resolution to embrace peace by the leaders at the expanded security council meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, on Monday, said he had been directed by Governor Yahaya to announce a review of the dusk to dawn curfew earlier imposed on the affected communities.
Abubakar said, “Further to my press statement on the crisis in Nyuwar, Jessu and Heme Villages of Balanga Local Government Area between 12th-13th April, 2021 which prompted the imposition of a 24-hours curfew on Nyuwar, Jessu, Sikam, Degri and Kulani Districts, His Excelency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State has approved the review of the 24- hour curfew to 6:00 Pm – 6: 00 am with immediate effect.
“Government reiterates the need for peaceful co-existence among communities and its determination to protect lives and property of the citizenry.”
The statement further added, “All security agencies are hereby advised to ensure strict compliance with the State Government’s new directives. However, those on essential services should continue to discharge their duties.”
