By Rebecca Mu’azu, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has suspended two traditional rulers over alleged negligence in preventing a farmer–herder clash that claimed two lives in Funakaye Local Government Area.
The action, announced after an Expanded State Security Council Meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, forms part of new, far-reaching measures to strengthen security and sustain peace across the state.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Zubair Muhammad Umar, said the suspended District Head and Village Head of the affected community failed in their duty to forestall 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 must be proactive in resolving disputes before they escalate,” Mr. Umar stated.
The meeting, which brought together heads of security and paramilitary agencies, relevant commissioners, local government chairmen, and traditional rulers led by the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, also deliberated extensively on recent security developments across the state.
Addressing Farmer–Herder Conflicts
To prevent further clashes, the Council endorsed the full implementation of recommendations by the AIG Zubairu Muazu (Rtd.) Committee, which identified encroachment and blockage of cattle routes as key triggers of conflict.
According to the Attorney-General, the measure forms part of a long-term strategy to promote peaceful coexistence and end recurring disputes across the state.
Regulation of Scrap (‘Bola Jari’) Trade
In another decisive move, the Council announced a ban on the transportation of scrap materials, popularly known as Bola Jari, between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., following reports that stolen public assets and vandalised materials were being moved under the cover of darkness.
To ensure better oversight, the government has approved the centralisation of all Bola Jari and second-hand material businesses within a designated yard in Gombe metropolis.
A committee chaired by the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Tourism, with representatives from security agencies, local councils, and other stakeholders, will supervise the regulation and monitoring of activities at the yard.
“This measure will promote accountability and proper monitoring of the trade, which has unfortunately become a conduit for criminal activity,” Mr. Umar explained.
Intensified Anti-Drug Campaign
The Council also expressed concern over the rising menace of drug abuse and its link to criminality.
The State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) presented what the Council described as a disturbing picture of drug trafficking and consumption trends across Gombe.
To tackle the problem, the Gombe State Commissioner for Justice said the NDLEA announced plans to establish operational offices in all 11 Local Government Areas of the state, a move commended by the Council, which pledged full government support for its implementation.
Mr. Umar noted that most crimes in the state are drug-induced, adding that the government will step up public awareness, law enforcement, and rehabilitation efforts to protect young people and communities.
The Security Council also focused on security operatives.
“Security agents are performing lawful duties on behalf of the state and the nation. Any attack on them is an attack on law and order, and the government will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found guilty of such acts,” Mr. Umar warned.
Protection of Public Infrastructure
The Council also approved the establishment of district and emirate-level committees to monitor public facilities within their jurisdictions.
These committees will be financed through local government allocations to ensure prompt maintenance and repair of damaged facilities.
Citizens were urged to take ownership of public property and protect them from vandalism and neglect.
Barrister Umar reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Inuwa Yahaya administration to safeguarding Gombe’s reputation as the most peaceful state in the North-East and one of the safest in Nigeria.
Traditional Rulers Reaffirm Support
Speaking on behalf of the traditional council, the Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Muhammad, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, pledged continued support for the government and security agencies.
“As traditional rulers living closest to our people, we will intensify enlightenment and dialogue to strengthen peace at the grassroots,” he assured.
The Mai Kaltungo also urged traditional leaders across the state to remain vigilant and promote dialogue and understanding among residents to prevent future conflicts.
Lateefah Ibrahim