The Gombe State Police Command has initiated a comprehensive investigation following the grim discovery of three mutilated male corpses in Billiri Local Government Area. The victims, whose bodies were recovered with their eyes and several other anatomical parts missing, have been identified through preliminary reports.
Victims Identified in Shocking Ritual Killing Case
Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed on Friday that the deceased individuals are Ibrahim Jatau, aged 30, from Bangunji Village in Shongom LGA; Mela Bukar, 50, from Tal Ward; and Kinga Snu, also 50, from Banganje Ward. All three men were residents within Billiri Local Government Area, highlighting the localized nature of this disturbing incident.
Hunters from Taraba State Implicated in Arrests
Initial investigative findings suggest that the victims were allegedly apprehended by a group of hunters originating from neighboring Taraba State. These hunters had been conducting patrols across the border regions encompassing Shongom, Billiri, and Akko Local Government Areas in Gombe State.
According to police reports, the hunting group established a temporary camp at Tudun Kwaya Government Day Secondary School, where they remained from January 25 until their departure on January 28. The timeline of their presence coincides closely with the period when the three men went missing and were later found deceased.
Police Pursue Motive Behind Gruesome Mutilations
The Gombe State Police Command has emphasized that their investigation remains active and ongoing, with detectives working diligently to uncover the precise circumstances surrounding these killings. A primary focus of the inquiry involves determining the motive behind the removal of the victims' eyes and other body parts, which strongly suggests ritualistic elements.
Authorities have made a public appeal to residents across the affected communities, urging anyone with potentially relevant information to come forward and assist law enforcement efforts. The police are particularly interested in details that could help identify and apprehend those responsible for these brutal acts.
Context of Recent Similar Incidents in Gombe
This latest discovery of mutilated corpses occurs mere days after another tragic finding in Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State, where the body of a missing 15-year-old girl was recovered from a bush location. That victim also showed signs of mutilation, raising concerns about potential patterns of violence in the region.
The consecutive nature of these incidents has heightened anxiety among local populations and increased pressure on security agencies to intensify their investigative and preventive measures. Community leaders and security analysts are calling for enhanced coordination between state police commands and local vigilante groups to address these security challenges effectively.
