The Gombe State Government has announced a series of far-reaching decisions aimed at strengthening security and preserving peace across the state, following an Expanded State Security Council Meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.
The meeting, held at the Government House in Gombe, brought together heads of security and paramilitary agencies, relevant commissioners, local government chairmen, and traditional rulers led by the Emir of Gombe, HRH Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III,
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, said the Council extensively reviewed the security situation in the state and approved several measures to consolidate Gombe’s status as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
Umar disclosed that the Council received reports of renewed farmer-herder clashes in parts of the state, which led to the loss of two lives in Funakaye Local Government Area.
He said the Council had suspended two traditional leaders, the district and village heads of the affected community, over alleged negligence in preventing the escalation of the conflict.
“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 Attorney General emphasized.
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According to Umar, a committee comprising representatives from security agencies, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, local councils, and other stakeholders will oversee the regulated operations.
“This measure will allow for proper monitoring, accountability, and regulation of the trade, which has unfortunately become a channel for criminal activities,” he said.
The Council also reviewed the growing problem of drug abuse and its connection to rising criminal behavior. The State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) presented a report highlighting alarming trends in drug trafficking and consumption.
In response, NDLEA announced plans to establish operational offices in all 11 local government areas of the state, a move the Council commended and pledged to support.
“Most crimes are drug-induced. The government will intensify public enlightenment, law enforcement, and rehabilitation efforts to protect our youth and communities,” Umar stated.
The Council condemned recent incidents of assault on security personnel, describing them as unacceptable.
“Security agents perform lawful duties on behalf of the state and nation. Any attack on them is an attack on law and order, and perpetrators will face prosecution,” the Attorney General warned.
To address recurring farmer-herder clashes, the Council resolved to fully implement recommendations from the AIG Zubairu Muazu (Rtd.) Committee, which identified encroachment and blockage of cattle routes as major causes of conflict.
It also approved the creation of district and emirate-level committees to monitor and maintain public facilities, to be funded through local government allocations. Umar urged citizens to take ownership of public infrastructure and protect it against vandalism.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution, the Mai Kaltungo and Deputy Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Engr. Saleh Muhammad, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government’s peace and security agenda.
“As traditional rulers living closest to our people, we will intensify enlightenment and dialogue to strengthen peace at the grassroots,” he assured.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration, Umar noted, remains steadfast in its resolve to preserve Gombe’s reputation as the most peaceful state in the North-East and one of the safest in Nigeria.
