By Ibrahim Imam, Kaduna.
Palpable fear enveloped Gombe city following the yesterday killing of the Emir of Gwarzo by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
The Nigerian military has confirmed that the attack on the convoy of three traditional rulers in the northeast on their way to Gombe for the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe, by insurgents.
The traditional rulers identified as those of Gwarzo, Uba and Askira were believed to have been waylaid by the Boko Haram insurgents.
Sources at funeral in Gombe said the news of the attack and the death of Emir of Gwarzo sent a jilter across the capital city particularly the venue where prayer was going on at that moment.
“There was palpable fear as soon as the news broke. Although, there are security agents everywhere around to ensure that no ugly things happen, but many who heard the Emir Gwarzo was killed by Boko Haram expressed fear,” he said.
“People were very afraid. We didn’t expect the attack. My father’s friend called him to tell him that he can no longer attend the funeral,” the sources added.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said yesterday that “troops deployed to Garkida responded to the attack, securing the Emirs of Uba and Askira while the body of Emir of Gwoza who unfortunately died in the attack was recovered.”
Olukolade said the military are currently on patrols along the entire route with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and keeping the area safe.
He also said that, “raids carried out by troops of the Special Task Force operating in the north-central part of the country have led to the arrest of 23 members of armed gangs terrorizing the region.
“The suspects including a hard drugs supplier were apprehended during raids on camps and criminal hideouts located in Bukuru, Jos South and Barkin Ladi general areas.
“All the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation before they will be handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency,” it added.
