OPERATIVES of the Nigeria Police Force in Gombe State have rescued a cleric who was reportedly confined by a group of youths in the Birin Fulani community of Nafada Local Government Area.
According to the police, the incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday after authorities received reports of a disturbance in the area.
Acting on the information, the Divisional Police Officer quickly deployed officers to the community to restore calm.
The state police spokesperson, Buhari Abdullahi, explained that officers discovered a 58-year-old cleric, Abubakar Mahmoud Puma, who had allegedly been locked inside a house by a group of aggrieved youths believed to be affiliated with a sect.
The youths reportedly accused the cleric of making offensive remarks about their leaders.
Puma, who comes from Akko Local Government Area, had been assigned to Birin Fulani to conduct the 2026 Ramadan Tafsir organised by the Jos-based Islamic group Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah.
Police authorities said the Divisional Police Officer engaged the youths in dialogue, which eventually led to the safe rescue of the cleric.
Officials confirmed that he was freed without injury and that no lives were lost during the incident.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar Ahmed Chuso, has since directed that a discreet investigation be carried out to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the confrontation and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.
Meanwhile, the police command has warned residents against spreading unverified information on social media, noting that such actions could escalate tensions within communities.
Authorities also assured residents of Birin Fulani and other parts of Gombe State that calm has been restored, urging members of the public to resolve grievances through lawful channels rather than actions that could threaten public peace.
The police further reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property while promoting peaceful coexistence among communities across the state.
