Gunmen Kill 2 Siblings, Abduct 4 In Gombe Village

Unidentified gunmen have invaded a house in Pindiga village in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, killing two siblings and abducting four other persons in the early hours of Sunday.

The deceased, identified as Yusuf Mohammed, 31, and Faiza Mohammed, 28, were reportedly shot dead in their residence along the Pindiga–Kashere Road at about 3:30 a.m.

Their 16-year-old sister, Zainab Mohammed Yusuf, was abducted by the assailants.

It was further gathered that the gunmen proceeded to the residence of Alhaji Yayaji Abdullahi in the same village, where they abducted his wife, Jummai Alhaji Yayaji, 35, and two children — Al’amin Alhaji Yayaji, 11, and Fatima Abdullahi, 14.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Gombe State Police Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said a distress report was received at the Pindiga Police Station at about 3:30 a.m. regarding the shooting and abduction.

He disclosed that a visit to the scene by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, alongside a team of senior officers, led to the recovery of six empty AK-47 shells and one live round of ammunition.

DSP Abdullahi added that the two victims were immediately rushed to the Cottage Hospital, Pindiga, where they were confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

“Following this development, tactical and intelligence-led operations were immediately intensified in the area. Hunters and local vigilante groups have been mobilised, while concerted efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” he said.

The police spokesperson assured members of the public that all necessary measures are being taken to bring those responsible to justice, urging residents to remain calm and continue to provide credible and timely information to aid the investigation.

Meanwhile, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has condemned the incident, describing it as barbaric, cruel and utterly unacceptable.

In a statement by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor said the killing of innocent people in their homes and the abduction of women and children were heinous crimes that offend humanity and threaten the peace and security the state has worked hard to sustain.

“This dastardly act is a direct assault on our collective conscience and a painful test of our resolve to protect lives and property. The government and people of Gombe State share in the grief and anguish of the affected families and the entire Pindiga community,” he stated.

Governor Yahaya assured that the crime would not go unchecked, revealing that the Nigeria Police and other security agencies have commenced intensive investigations into the killings and abductions.

He directed that all necessary resources be deployed to track down the perpetrators, rescue the abducted victims unharmed, and bring all those involved to justice.

The governor also reiterated his administration’s firm commitment to security, warning criminals and their collaborators that Gombe State would not serve as a haven for them.

“Security operations will be intensified, intelligence gathering strengthened, and collaboration with communities deepened,” the statement added.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the Pindiga Emirate, praying that Almighty Allah grants them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss, and also for the safe and speedy rescue of those abducted.