Tension As Soldiers Take Over Adamawa State

Soldiers in Adamawa state have taken over Jambutu community in Yola north following a clash between members of the community and notorious gangs called Shila-Boys, who had been terrorising Adamawa and surrounding communities.

It was gathered from residents in Jambutu that, last week five members of the Shila-Boys were killed following alleged killing of one Baba Jada, an elder in the community, who was said to have interfered in the affairs of the notorious gang of young boys terrorising the area when they (Shila-Boys) were robbing innocent citizens in the area.

“After Baba Jada steps in to prevent the boys from attacking and robbing people, they followed him to his house and murdered him in cold blood. The activities of these boys is known all over the state, and people have been reporting the matter to the authorities, but nothing was done about it.

“I think the activities of these gangs and the support they enjoy from some persons loyal to the state governor informed the massive rejection of governor Bindow by the people of Adamawa state. Last week,we were told that, one of the person supporting these boys, which I would want to mention his name was arrested, but he was since released.” Bala Hashimu, a residents of Jambutu in Yola north, said.

Other residents of the area said, fighting ensued yesterday as a result of the steps the community took to step up action and to curtail the gang attacks and broad daylight robbery on innocent people by the Shila-Boys, which was put off by local police and community members.

However, the situation took another dimension as violence escalated taking the tone of religion and ravaging the peace of the community.

“We thank God that the soldiers were on hand otherwise the situation would have been a sorry one because the two religion have taken position to fight it out,” another resident, who pleaded anonymity, told newsmen in Yola.

For now, the situation is calm, but many innocent residents have fled the community as only soldiers are seen patrolling the area.

All attempt to get the reaction of Othman Abubakar, the police public relations officer for Yola command on the violence in Jambutu community of Adamawa state in the Northeast Nigeria, did not yield positive result as at press time.