The Gombe State Government has adopted far-reaching measures to strengthen security and preserve 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, Gombe, brought together heads of security and paramilitary agencies, relevant commissioners, local government chairmen, and traditional rulers led by the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, said the Council deliberated extensively on recent security developments and adopted resolutions aimed at sustaining Gombe’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
Umar disclosed that the Council received reports of renewed farmer-herder clashes in parts of the state, which resulted in the loss of two lives in Funakaye Local Government Area.
He said the Council had recommended the suspension of two traditional leaders—the District and Village Heads of the affected community—over alleged negligence in preventing the escalation of local conflicts.
“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,” Umar said.
To curb rising cases of vandalism and theft, the Council also announced a ban on the transportation of scrap materials, locally known as Bola Jari, between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Umar explained that the government had approved the centralization of all scrap and second-hand property trade in a designated yard within the state capital.
The new arrangement will be coordinated by a committee under the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Tourism, with representatives from security agencies, local government councils, and other stakeholders.
“This measure will allow for proper monitoring, accountability, and regulation of the trade, which has unfortunately become a channel for criminal activities,” he added.
On the issue of drug abuse, Umar said the Council reviewed reports from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which highlighted alarming trends in drug trafficking and consumption in the state.
He said the NDLEA plans to establish operational offices in all 11 local government areas of Gombe to intensify the anti-drug campaign and improve surveillance.
“The government fully supports this initiative because most crimes are drug-induced. We will continue to strengthen awareness, law enforcement, and rehabilitation to protect our youth,” the Attorney-General said.
The Council also condemned recent attacks on security operatives by members of the public, warning that such acts would no longer be tolerated.
“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. The government will prosecute anyone found guilty of assaulting or obstructing security personnel,” Umar stated.
To address recurring farmer-herder conflicts, the Council endorsed the full implementation of recommendations from the AIG Zubairu Muazu (Rtd.) Committee, which identified encroachment and blockage of cattle routes as major triggers of violence.
Additionally, the government approved the creation of district and emirate-level committees to monitor public facilities and infrastructure in their respective domains. The committees will be funded through local government allocations to ensure prompt repairs and maintenance of public assets.
Umar reaffirmed Governor Yahaya’s commitment to protecting Gombe’s image as the most peaceful state in the North-East and one of the safest in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Mai Kaltungo, Engr. Saleh Muhammad, who doubles as the Deputy Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, pledged continued cooperation with the state government and security agencies.
“As traditional rulers closest to the people, we will intensify enlightenment and dialogue to sustain peace at the grassroots,” the royal father said.
He urged traditional leaders to remain vigilant and foster understanding among their subjects to prevent conflicts and promote unity.
