Gombe imposes curfew in troubled LG

Chima Azubuike, Gombe

Gombe State Government on Friday imposed 24 hours curfew, due to the continued blockade of Yola/Gombe highway which has stalled movement in Billiri Local Government Area of the state, over the paramount ruler stool, Mai Tangale.

Women in their hundreds had mounted checks at various points due to what they considered deliberate delay tactics of the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration to announce his preferred choice to the Mai Tangale stool, different from the candidate with the highest vote.

Confirming the decision of the government to enforce curfew in a press briefing, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, said the curfew is the government’s last resort to finding peace in the area.

While giving assurance of the state government’s commitment to tackling the brewing security challenge, he said peace will not be sacrificed for anything.

Njodi said, “Following the current eruption of violence in Billiri Town, which has degenerated into a security threat to both lives and property, Gombe State Government has imposed 24 hours curfew within Billiri Local Government Area with effect from 6:00 pm today, February 19, 2021.

“The government affirmed the need for peaceful co-existence among the citizenry and commitment to the protection of lives and properties. Consequently, the government has suspended all forms of gatherings in Billiri Local Government.

“All security agencies are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive. All citizens are expected to comply with the directive except those personnel providing essential services”(The Punch)