The Gombe State Government on Sunday rejected the recent travel advisory by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which listed Gombe among unsafe states in Nigeria, describing the classification as “unfounded and unfair.”
Reacting to the report, the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, said the state remains one of the most peaceful and stable in the country, with no record of insurgency, communal conflict, or banditry in recent years.
“Honestly, this classification of Gombe is unfounded and unfair. We are surprised and disappointed by this classification of our dear state among the unsafe states,” Misilli stated.
He emphasised that Gombe continues to enjoy harmony among its diverse population, with residents coexisting peacefully regardless of ethnic or religious background.
“Gombe State remains one of the most peaceful in the country. You are aware that the state has consistently been rated by credible organizations and security agencies as one of the most peaceful and stable states in Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the state government maintains a strong partnership with security agencies to ensure the continued safety of lives and property.
“Residents of the state live peacefully with one another, while the government continues to work closely with security agencies to sustain the peace,” Misilli added.
He expressed concern over the parameters used by the UK government to arrive at its conclusion, insisting that the state has not witnessed any form of security threat capable of justifying such an advisory.
“We really wonder what indices were used to arrive at this conclusion by the UK government. There have been no cases of insurgency, communal crisis, banditry, or major security incidents in recent years,” he said.
Misilli called on the public and international partners to disregard the advisory, stressing that Gombe remains safe, peaceful, and open for investment and development.
“We call on members of the public and international partners to disregard the advisory. Gombe remains safe, welcoming, and open for business and development. I reiterate, Gombe is peaceful, its people are hospitable, and life here goes on in harmony,” Misilli affirmed.
