The Gombe State Government has reacted to the attack on the convoy of the former governor of the state, Senator Danjuma Goje.
Tracknews Online had reported that some political thugs attacked the Gombe Central Senator as he was about to enter the state capital for a personal engagement on Friday.
Goje’s vehicles were attacked with dangerous weapons and bonfires were set on the main road to prevent the Senator from entering into the state.
Five people have been reported dead, with several others injured and a number of vehicles destroyed during the bloody attack.
The spokesman of the lawmaker, Lilian Nworie, had accused the state Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, of being behind the attack, adding that the attack was led by the governor’s aide-de-camp.
But in a swift reaction, the state government has denied the claim made by the former governor, accusing him of importing thugs into the state to cause mayhem and unleash violence on innocent citizens.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Julius Lepes, asked residents of the state to hold Goje responsible for the loss of lives and properties destroyed in the fracas.
Lepes stated that the government would not condone any form of violence in the state, noting that it will punish desperate politicians who unleash terror and violence on innocent citizens.
He said: “In his characteristic manner, decided to mobilise 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.
“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 the rampage, leading to loss of two lives.
“Also just last week at Deba in Yamaltu Deba LGA the same scenario played out at the instance of the senator.
“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.
“Gombe State has been witnessing relative peace and harmony due largely to the determination and avowed commitment of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in that direction.
“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.
“Government will make sure that perpetrators of the unfortunate act, no matter how highly-placed, are brought to book.”
