The Gombe State Police Command has strongly condemned the recent attack on Powishi Village in Kalmai District, Billiri Local Government Area, which led to the killing of a resident, Mallam Yusuf Akwara, and extensive property damage. The attack, believed to have been carried out by armed men on motorbikes suspected to be herders, occurred in the early hours of Thursday.
Details of the Incident
The assailants stormed the village, setting houses ablaze and rustling an unspecified number of animals. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, the attackers fled the scene before security forces arrived.
In a statement provided to PUNCH Online, Abdullahi detailed the swift response by a combined team of police officers and personnel from the 301 Artillery Regiment, led by the Area Commander of Billiri, to contain the situation. Despite their efforts, the attackers managed to escape.
“The assailants fled the village before the arrival of the security teams. However, the neighbouring village and security personnel were able to put out the fire,” Abdullahi said.
High-Level Assessment and Support
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, accompanied by senior officials from the 301 Artillery Regiment, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Area, visited the scene of the attack. They assessed the damage, met with affected families, and commiserated with the community.
This visit underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the victims and ensuring that justice is served. The CP expressed condolences to the bereaved family and promised a thorough investigation.
Police Response and Assurance
To track down the perpetrators, the police have deployed a team of detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), alongside personnel from 34 and 59 Police Mobile Force units and conventional police officers.
“The CP urges members of the public to be patient and cooperate with the police in investigating this ungodly act,” Abdullahi said.
The police have pledged to leave no stone unturned in bringing the attackers to justice and preventing future incidents.
Community and Security Cooperation
The police have called on the public, particularly residents of Powishi Village and neighboring communities, to remain vigilant and provide timely information to aid investigations. This partnership between security forces and the community is crucial for identifying and apprehending the culprits.
The Impact on Powishi Village
The attack has left Powishi Village in mourning, with residents grappling with the loss of a community member and the destruction of their homes and livestock. The incident highlights ongoing challenges related to communal clashes and herder-farmer conflicts in parts of Nigeria.
The swift response by security agencies, including the collaboration between the police, military, and local leaders, is seen as a positive step in addressing the crisis. However, the need for long-term solutions to prevent such violence remains a pressing issue.
Conclusion
The Gombe State Police Command’s condemnation of the attack and its immediate deployment of resources to investigate and secure the area reflect a commitment to justice and community safety. As the investigation unfolds, residents of Powishi Village and surrounding areas will be looking to the authorities for reassurance and swift action to restore peace and security.
