Five persons killed as former Governor Goje’s vist to Gombe State results in bloody clashes
Gombe state Government has condemned, in strongest term, the breach of peace in the state capital, allegedly caused by the visit of a former Governor of the state and Senator representing Gombe Central, Sen. Muhammad Danjuma Goje.
The state commissioner of Information, Julius Ishaya Lepes, said in a statement that “the former Governor, in his characteristic manner, decided to mobilize thugs from various LGAs, armed to their teeth under the pretext of accompanying him from the airport into the State capital, for reasons best known to him.”
Read the statement further: “Recall that during the last Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration, the same person sponsored some thugs that threw caution into the wind and went on rampage, leading to loss of 2 lives.
“Also just last week at Deba in Yamaltu Deba LGA the same scenario played out at the instance of the Senator.
“It is sad that Goje has not left his old ways and is bent on bringing back his brainchild (Kalare) to unleash mayhem and bug the peaceful atmosphere of Gombe State.
“Gombe state has been witnessing relative peace and harmony due largely to the determination and avowed commitment of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in that direction and therefore the government would not stand by and watch desperate politicians unleash terror and violence on innocent citizens to the extent of getting people killed.
“While sympathising with families of the five people killed and those who sustained various degrees of injuries, Government commends the security agencies for their timely intervention in bringing the ugly situation under control.
“His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya as the Chief Security officer of the State, will not renage on his responsibilities and therefore will do everything necessary to protect the lives and property of the citizenry.
“Government will make sure that perpetrators of the unfortunate act, no matter how highly placed are brought to book”
But another report said that Senator Goje got what he did not bargain for, on Friday, when suspected thugs and miscreants blocked him from entering the state.
Reports say that Sen. Goje had left Abuja, on Friday morning, for personal engagement only to encounter thugs and miscreants who were already waiting for him.
The attackers reportedly set up a bonfire in protest as Sen. Goje was about to enter the city centre around the International Conference Center on Bauchi-Gombe road.
An aide to the senator, Mrs Lilian Nworie, said that the attackers were suspected political thugs sponsored by some elements who have eyes on the 2023 general elections.
