Gombe State authorities on Wednesday suspended two traditional rulers and ordered new security measures after renewed fighting between farmers and herders in Funakaye Local Government Area left people dead.
The Expanded State Security Council, chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, took the action after receiving reports that fresh skirmishes had erupted in parts of the state and that two people — a village head’s son and a police officer — were killed in the clashes. The council identified the suspended leaders as a district head and a village head from the affected area.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Gombe State, Zubair Muhammad Umar, said the state viewed the rulers’ inaction as serious.
“The Council viewed their inaction as a serious dereliction of duty. Traditional rulers are the government’s first line of contact at the grassroots, and they must be proactive in resolving disputes before they escalate.”
The council also moved to curb other risks it says fuel crime. It banned transport of scrap materials, locally called “Bola-Jari,” between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m., and approved a plan to centralise scrap and second-hand goods in a single yard in the state capital to improve monitoring.
“This measure will allow for proper monitoring, accountability and regulation of the trade, which has unfortunately become a channel for criminal activities,” the commissioner said.
Officials warned they will prosecute anyone who attacks security personnel. “Security agents are performing lawful duties on behalf of the state and nation. Any attack on them is an attack on law and order. The government will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found guilty of assaulting or obstructing security personnel,” Umar said.
The Emir of Gombe and other royal figures pledged to boost dialogue and peacebuilding at the grassroots. “As traditional rulers living closest to our people, we will intensify enlightenment and dialogue to strengthen peace at the grassroots,” said Mai Kaltungo, Engr. Saleh Muhammad.
