Emir appeals for calm after killing of cops

The Emir of Yamaltu in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, Hassan Usman-Jonga, has appealed for calm in Difa and Kinafa communities. Our correspondent reports that there has been tension in the areas following the killing of two police officers and a civilian in Difa on Sunday, Feb.16.

Daily Trust gathered that the incident occurred when some policemen, on routine patrol arrested some youths in the village for allegedly being in possession of illegal drugs.

It was further gathered that the arrest did not go down well with other youths of the area who staged a protest which led to a violent clash. A source said it was during the clash that the cops were killed.

Our correspondent reports that one of the police officers that were killed by the youths hailed from Kinafa community and that following the incident, youths from Kinafa community spoiled for reprisal. But the emir said after he received report that people from Kinafa were spoiling for war with Difa community, he sent a message appealing for calm.

When our correspondent visited Difa yesterday, it was like a ghost town as almost all the men and youths in the area who fled the area on the night of the clash are yet to return. Speaking to journalists, some women in the area appealed to the government to tackle the problem to enable their husbands and children return home.

“We are not aware of the whereabouts of our husbands and children; we are appealing to the government to intervene”, one of the women said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Fwaje Atajiri, confirmed the incident.