Segun Babatunde in Gombe
No fewer than 50 houses and food stuff were burnt while a woman lost her life over the weekend during a clash between Pokekerek and Yadenden communities in Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Our Correspondent reports that the dispute was over a piece of farmland which both communities are claiming ownership.
However, rising from an emergency State Security Council Meeting Monday evening under the chairmanship of the State Governor, Slhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, the Government condemned the violence and ordered for calm.
Briefing newsmen, the State Commissioner for Information Mr. Julius Ishaya and his counterpart of the Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation Adamu Kupto Dishi, said the State Government had directed all stakeholders under the leadership of the Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed to engage the youths from all communities with the aim of restoring total peace.
Mr. Julius said the security council had noted the damage that resulted from the carnage, and expressed concern over the difficulties and destruction brought on the people of both communities.
He said Government had also called on security agents to investigate and bring perpetrators of the heinous act to book.
The Government also directed the security agents to ensure the ban on all militia groups is maintained.
The Paramount traditional ruler in the Chiefdom, Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed, thanked the State Government for the quick intervention that forestalled further escalation of the crises.
He noted that the people had never experienced such, and promised that he, along with other stakeholders will continue to sensitize the people on the need for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He called on the people to remain calm and embrace each other so that the development that is being experienced would be continued.
Our correspondent gathered that no arrest had so far been made.
