By Akanji Alowolodu, Gombe
Hoodlums suspected to be political thugs on Friday took the political rivalry between one time Governor of Gombe state Governor, Muhammad Danjuma Goje and his political godson, incumbent Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to a violent dimension as they clashed trying to prevented Sen Dan Goje from entering Gombe.
Danjuma Goje who has being having a running political battle with Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya who served as Commissioner of Finance under Danjuma Goje for 8 years could not gain entrance into Gombe on his way from Abuja.
Our Correspondent gathered that having heard a privilege information about the coming of Danjuma Goje, the youths who are believed to be political thugs mobilized themselves blocked the expressway around the International Conference Center along Gombe – Bauchi road burning tyres and other things to prevent his entourage from passing through.
It was gathered that Danjuma Goje, who was in Gombe to attend a wedding fatihah had landed at the Gombe Airport in Lawanti, at about 10:40am to a welcome by his supporters who were at the airport on a motorcade to escort him into Gombe.
Reports have it that there was a clash between the two sides which led to the destruction and burning of several vehicles while sustained various degree of injuries.
In melee that ensued, several road users from the opposite directions were left stranded as no vehicle was allowed into or outside Gombe while the violent attack lasted with no security operatives around to douse the tension.
However, after a lot of destruction must have been made, Security operatives were comprising Police and other personal were deployed to restore law and order, as youths wielding dangerous weapons were at both side causing damages to anything available.
As of the time of filing this report, normalcy has returned to the area though there was still fear of reprisal attack from either of the two sides a development that has made the presence of heavily armed security operatives as strategic locations within Gombe metropolis.
All Efforts to get official reaction from the Gombe State Police Command failed as the Command Public Relations Officer, SP Obed Mary Malum neither picked calls put through her line nor respond to the sms and WhatsApp messages sent to her phone number.
But in a reaction, Gombe state Government through the Commissioner of information and Culture, Julius ishaya Lepez condemned in strongest term, what it described as “the breach of peace in the state capital, caused by the visit of a former Governor of the state and Senator representing Gombe Central, Sen. Muhammad Danjuma Goje” . The Commissioner in a statement made available to Journalists in Gombe alleged that, “The former Governor, in his characteristic manner, decided to mobilize thugs from various LGAs armed to their teeth under the pretext of accompanying him from the airport into the State capital for reasons best known to him” .
He added that, “Recall that during the last Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration, the same person sponsored some thugs that threw caution into the wind and went on rampage, leading to loss of 2 lives. Also just last week at Deba in Yamaltu Deba LGA the same scenario played out at the instance of the Senator”.
The Commissioner further stated that, “It is sad that Goje has not left his old ways and is bent on bringing back his brainchild (Kalare) to unleash mayhem and bug the peaceful atmosphere of Gombe State” . He also alleged that, “Gombe state has been witnessing relative peace and harmony due largely to the determination and avowed commitment of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in that direction and therefore the government would not stand by and watch desperate politicians unleash terror and violence on innocent citizens to the extent of getting people killed”.
“While sympathising with families of the five people killed and those who sustained various degrees of injuries, Government commends the security agencies for their timely intervention in bringing the ugly situation under control”, he also stated. According to the Commissioner, “His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya as the Chief Security officer of the State, will not renage on his responsibilities and therefore will do everything necessary to protect the lives and property of the citizenry” .
He then assured that, “Government will make sure that perpetrators of the unfortunate act, no matter how highly placed are brought to book” . End
