In a horrifying attack that has left the residents of Lubo in Gombe State shaken, gunmen stormed the residence of Reverend Bala Galadima, a prominent pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in the early hours of Sunday, fatally shooting him during a robbery operation. The tragic event, which occurred around 1 a.m., has sparked an outpouring of grief and fear in the region.
The police have confirmed that the incident was a robbery gone wrong, though suspicions initially swirled around whether the attack was the work of bandits. However, local authorities have rejected that theory, stating there is no history of banditry in the area. The Gombe State Police Command swiftly mobilized a special task force to track down the assailants and ensure they face justice.
The killing of the clergyman has been condemned by many, with both local leaders and citizens calling for immediate action to secure the community and bring those responsible to account.
A Deadly Robbery in the Night
According to DSP Buhari Abdullahi, spokesperson for the Gombe State Police, the attack on Pastor Galadima’s home appeared to be a robbery. The police believe the assailants entered the residence with the intention of robbing the pastor. “It seems that they were attempting a robbery, and perhaps the pastor tried to escape, which led to him being shot in the back,” Abdullahi explained.
Eyewitnesses have corroborated the police’s assessment, describing a terrifying scene as the gunmen moved through the community under the cover of darkness. One Lubo resident, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, shared chilling details of the attack. “The gunmen arrived around 1 a.m., firing shots into the air to announce their arrival,” the eyewitness said. “They first went to the ECWA Church, then targeted a nearby compound where they stole N300,000 before heading to the pastor’s house.”
The gunmen were said to have been relentless in their pursuit of Pastor Galadima. Upon reaching his home, they shot him at point-blank range, targeting his upper back as he seemingly attempted to flee.
“The community is in mourning,” the resident added. “Many of us are still in shock; it’s hard to believe something like this could happen here, especially to someone as respected as Reverend Galadima.”
Law Enforcement’s Swift Response
In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya, visited the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe to personally oversee the situation. He arrived at the hospital shortly after the pastor’s body was brought in and stayed there until the early morning hours. Speaking to reporters, DSP Abdullahi reassured the public that the police were taking the matter seriously and had deployed a special squad of officers to investigate the crime.
“We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice,” Abdullahi stated. “Our team is working around the clock, and we are confident that the culprits will be caught soon.”
The Gombe State Police Command has been coordinating closely with local residents and security forces in the area, working to piece together evidence and track down the attackers. Abdullahi dismissed initial rumors suggesting the involvement of bandits, emphasizing that Gombe has no history of such criminal activity. “This is not a case of banditry. It appears to be a robbery, and we are treating it as such,” he clarified.
The Shockwaves of Tragedy
The attack has not only left Pastor Galadima’s family in grief but also sent shockwaves through the Lubo community. Reverend Galadima was widely regarded as a man of faith and a pillar of the local church, making his brutal killing all the more heart-wrenching. “He was a kind and loving man who served his community with dedication,” said another local resident, who asked not to be named. “Everyone knew him and respected him, which makes this loss even more painful.”
For many in the area, the attack has raised concerns about security. Lubo, a relatively peaceful town, has not been accustomed to such violent crimes. With the community still grappling with the aftermath of the murder, there is growing fear about the safety of other residents.
The police’s swift response has calmed some of the residents, but there remains a palpable sense of unease as people wonder whether this attack marks the beginning of a troubling trend in the region.
Gombe State’s Growing Security Concerns
Despite reassurances from the police, the incident has brought security concerns to the forefront of local conversations. There are growing fears about the increasing frequency of armed robbery and violent crimes in rural communities, where law enforcement resources can sometimes be stretched thin. The murder of Reverend Galadima has spurred calls for increased police presence in these areas to prevent further attacks.
As part of their ongoing investigation, the police have sought to reassure residents that they are taking every step to prevent similar incidents from occurring. “We understand the concerns of the people of Gombe, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again,” Abdullahi emphasized.
Moreover, the police have extended their restrictions on night-time movements, which had previously only applied within the city limits of Gombe metropolis. In light of recent events, the commissioner of police has directed all area commands in the state to implement the curfew in their jurisdictions to curb nighttime crime.
A Community in Mourning
As the investigation continues, the Lubo community remains in mourning, struggling to come to terms with the brutal loss of Reverend Bala Galadima. While police efforts are underway to bring the criminals to justice, the wounds left by this tragic event will take time to heal.
Reverend Galadima’s death serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Nigeria, particularly those in rural areas, as they battle against rising criminal activities. While the investigation is ongoing, one thing is certain: Pastor Galadima’s life and service to his community will not be forgotten.
