The Gombe State Government has banned all hunting activities in across the State, following violent attacks in Jessu and Nyuwar Districts of Balanga Local Government Area and subsequent escalation to other parts of the area.
After an emergency Security Meeting , the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Julius Ishaya, said the proclamation meant an end to all hunting activities of any kind henceforth in any part of the state.
“It is prohibited and it is banned. And so, the use of Malaysia Uniform is equally ba nned. It is not allowed,” Mr. Ishaya said.
He said so far about eight to 12 arrests had been made in connection with the attacks on the two communities.
Mr. Ishaya said the meeting had agreed on the information available, which revealed that the attacks on the communities were not linked to land issues between the Lunguda and Waja tribes as was attributed to earlier, saying ”the issue has already been settled by the Paramount ruler of the Waja Speaking people in Talase.”
The Commissioner of Information recalled that the Balawaja, who resides in Talase, the headquarters of Balanga Local Government Area had agreed and settled the land issue with all parties concerned.
Mr. Ishaya said the casualty level had risen to 20 from the first day of the attack to Sunday, April 18, 2021.
He equally said the Nigerian Military had informed the emergency Security Meeting of its decision to change its rules of engagement in Nyuwar and Jessu to end the violence.
The Gombe State Commissioner of Information said as part of measures to curtail the escalation of the violent attacks in those areas, the meeting had decided by extending the curfew imposed on Jessu, Nyuwar and Yolde to include Sikam, Kilani and Degri,
He also said the meeting resolved that traditional rulers and security agencies had been directed to collaborate and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous acts were fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law, saying, “Government will not stand by and watch criminals perpetrating violence on innocent people.”
The Emergency Security Meeting in Gombe also directed traditional rulers to continue to engage one another in discussions to solidify the peace building process in place in the area.
While the government pledged to ensure the protection of lives and property, the people were also cautioned to be wary of fake news in the circulation, which was capable of causing a public disturbance.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
Mercy Chukwudiebere
