In a violent overnight raid that has sent shockwaves through the community, unidentified armed men stormed Pindiga village in Gombe State, leaving a trail of death and abduction. The assailants killed two siblings and kidnapped four other residents in a coordinated attack that underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria.
Details of the Deadly Night Raid
The attack unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, with the gunmen striking at approximately 3:30 a.m. along the Pindiga Kashere Road. According to reports, the attackers first targeted a residence where they shot and killed Yusuf Mohammed, 31, and his sister, Faiza Mohammed, 28, inside their home. Their younger sister, Zainab Mohammed Yusuf, 16, was forcibly taken away by the assailants.
Not stopping there, the gunmen then moved to another house within the same village, belonging to Alhaji Yayaji Abdullahi. From this second location, they abducted his wife, Jummai Alhaji Yayaji, 35, and two of their children: Al’amin Alhaji Yayaji, 11, and Fatima Abdullahi, 14. Residents described the operation as swift and brutal, carried out by heavily armed individuals who left before security forces could respond.
Police Response and Evidence Recovered
The Gombe State Police Command confirmed that a distress call was received at the Pindiga Police Station at the time of the incident. Senior officers, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, promptly visited the scene. During their assessment, law enforcement agents recovered six empty AK-47 shells and one live round of ammunition.
The police spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, stated that the two deceased victims were rushed to the Cottage Hospital in Pindiga, where a medical doctor confirmed their deaths. He outlined the security response, noting, “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.” The public has been urged to remain calm and provide credible information to aid the investigation.
Governor Yahaya Condemns the Barbaric Act
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya strongly condemned the killings and abductions, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor said the attack represented a serious threat to peace and security in the state.
He extended the government's condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire Pindiga Emirate, offering prayers for the bereaved and for the safe return of those abducted. Governor Yahaya warned that Gombe State would not be a haven for criminal elements and directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to track down the perpetrators and ensure the rescue of the kidnapped victims.
This tragic incident in the Akko Local Government Area highlights the ongoing security concerns facing communities and the continuous efforts required from both security forces and the government to protect lives and property.
