Governor Yahaya Condemns Killing of Gombe Reverend, Orders Investigation

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has strongly condemned the killing of Reverend Bala Galadima, the presiding pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, in Lubo, Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area.

Describing the attack as a direct assault on the peace and security of Gombe State, Governor Yahaya assured residents that his administration would not tolerate criminal elements disrupting the harmony of the state.

“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. The government remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of our people. We will take decisive measures and deploy superior force to eliminate these criminals wherever they may be hiding,” Governor Yahaya declared.

The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the ECWA Church, and the entire Christian community, praying for comfort during this difficult time.

According to reports, the attack occurred around 1 a.m. when armed assailants stormed the community, firing multiple gunshots to announce their presence.

An eyewitness recounted that the attackers initially visited the ECWA Church before moving to a nearby compound, where they stole N300,000.

He said the attackers then proceeded to Reverend Galadima’s residence, where they fatally shot him in the upper back.

Police Confirm Killing, Launch Investigation

The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the killing, describing it as a robbery incident that resulted in the clergyman’s death.

DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the police spokesperson, explained that the Reverend might have been shot while attempting to escape.

“The incident is a robbery. They entered the house at night, and from the way he was shot in the back, he might have been trying to flee,” Abdullahi stated.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, visited the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe, where the clergyman’s body was taken, giving the assurance that a tactical team had been deployed to investigate the incident and apprehend the culprits.

Dismissing speculation that the attack was linked to banditry, DSP Abdullahi emphasized that Gombe State had no history of bandit-related violence.

He also noted that while a curfew on night-time movement exists in the Gombe metropolis, the restriction had yet to be extended to rural areas.

The police have vowed to track down the perpetrators and ensure justice is served, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining security across the state.