Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Friday ordered immediate deployment of more security personnel to two communities attacked by gunmen in Billiri Local Government Area.
The governor gave the directive when he visited Pobawure and Antawalam communities, which were attacked by gunmen on Wednesday night.
He lamented that the gunmen burnt harvested crops, and assured that the government would take additional measures to protect residents.
“It is a clear indication that they were out to cause confusion and destruction, we shall address the issue and will send them out of our communities,” he added.
The governor said that the visit was ascertain the level of damage and commiserate with members of the communities.
“I have directed the setting up of a police outpost with adequate number of personnel alongside sister security agencies to ensure that the communities are secured.
“We have taken necessary steps to safeguard lives and property, knowing fully well that Gombe is among the most peaceful states nationwide.
“We shall not allow criminals to infiltrate our communities,” Mr Yahaya said.
He called on the locals to remain vigilant while availing security agencies with timely and credible information that will help in securing their communities and the state at large.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Oqua Etim, said adequate deployment of policemen had been made to secure the communities.
Mr Etim told the governor that normalcy had been restored, adding that the gunmen burnt to death a 90-year-old man in his hut and matcheted two youths, while two villagers sustained injuries.
He said that the police would ensure intensive surveillance in the area “until we can get a police station fully established here.”
The commissioner said the attackers did not steal anything from the communities, adding that it was an indication that they were just out for destruction.
NAN
