Over 6,800 displaced as bandits raid communities in Gombe

No fewer than 6,850 residents have been displaced following violent bandit attacks on Garin Galadima and neighboring communities in the Pindiga Emirate, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State. The attacks, which occurred on January 23, 2026, forced families from about 1,141 households in Garin Galadima, Lumbo, Shulto, and surrounding villages to flee their homes […]

No fewer than 6,850 residents have been displaced following violent bandit attacks on Garin Galadima and neighboring communities in the Pindiga Emirate, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The attacks, which occurred on January 23, 2026, forced families from about 1,141 households in Garin Galadima, Lumbo, Shulto, and surrounding villages to flee their homes in search of safety.

The displaced persons are currently taking refuge in communities including Pindiga, Tumu, Kashere, Kombani Isa, Lawanti, Tundu, and Tukulma, where they now depend largely on the generosity of relatives and local residents.

Witnesses said the bandits invaded the area in large numbers, riding motorcycles and wielding assorted weapons.

The attackers allegedly razed shops, destroyed food reserves, and burned houses, in addition to killing livestock and shooting sporadically to incite panic.

“At least three people were killed, while several others sustained injuries as people fled into the bush to escape,” a resident told our correspondent.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abdullahi Haruna Abdullahi, said the state government is deeply concerned about the humanitarian impact of the raid.

“We carried out a joint assessment with NEMA and NEDC to determine the level of damage and the number of people affected. Our immediate priority is to ensure that the displaced persons receive basic support, such as bedding, food items, and temporary shelter,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the documentation of victims is ongoing to facilitate further intervention.

“We are profiling the affected households so that more relief materials can be provided. We are also working with security agencies to ensure that the communities are safe for residents to return,” the SEMA boss stated.

An official from the North East Development Commission (NEDC) reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to the victims.

“The situation is unfortunate. NEDC is committed to partnering with the state government and humanitarian agencies to ease the suffering of the displaced persons and help them rebuild their livelihoods,” the official said.

Meanwhile, community leaders have appealed to both the state and federal governments to deploy more security personnel to the Pindiga axis.

They warned that continued attacks could cripple the farming and trading activities that sustain the local economy.

“We need a permanent security presence here. Without it, our people cannot return to their farms and businesses,” a traditional leader lamented.