By Yemi Shola, Gombe
Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the gruesome murder of a Clergyman, Reverend Bala Galadima, Presiding Clergy of Evangelical Church Wining All (ECWA) in Lubo, Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
The Police Command Spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, in a statement, also condemned the dastardly act and ordered for the immediate tracking down of the perpetrators anywhere they may be hiding.
He however described the incident leading to the death as robbery which claimed a life.
Reverend Galadima was murdered in the early hours of Sunday by suspected armed robbers at his residence in Lubo.
According to him: “Information received from the officer in-charge of Lubro Out station through Kwadon Divisional Police Officer, had it that armed robbers bearing Guns entered in to the house of Mrs. Elizabeth Obed, 32 years old and robbed her of money, sum of ₦322,000.”
“Shortly after, the robbers moved in to the house of Rev. Bala Galadima, 52 years, attacked him and demanded money from him, the victim told them that he did not have money and the robbers ranksacked his house.”
“However, when there was no money to rob from him, the robbers shot him at the back and they fled the village. Meanwhile, the victim was rushed to Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Gombe for treatment and later confirmed dead.”
“In response to this unfortunate incident and incessant increase in Criminal activities in some part of the State, the CP convened an emergency meeting with Senior Officers in the Command Headquarters to address issues and strategize on the measure to combat the emerging threats in the State.”
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) added that the Command urged members of the public to cooperate with the Police while marking frantic efforts to resolve and combat the emerging threats in the State.
Meanwhile, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed deep sorrow over the gruesome killing of Reverend Bala Galadima.
Inuwa Yahaya strongly condemned the reprehensible act, describing it as an assault on the peace and security that Gombe State has long enjoyed.
The Governor stressed that such incidents must not be allowed to undermine the peaceful coexistence in the state.
In a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe: “We will not allow criminal elements to disrupt the harmony and security that define our state. I have directed security agencies to leave no stone unturned in tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.”
“I want to reassure the good people of Gombe State that government remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring their safety and security. We will continue to take decisive measures and deploy superior force to eliminate criminal elements wherever they may be hiding,” the Governor declared.
“On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the ECWA Church, and the entire Christian community, praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased clergy and comfort during this difficult time.”