Condemnation Trails Murder Of Sheikh Kuri In Gombe

The murder of an Islamic cleric in Gombe State Sheikh Ibrahim Musa Albani Kuri has elicited condemnation from the government and religious leaders in the state.

In the early hours of yesterday, armed hoodlums stormed the residence of the cleric at Tabra community on Byepass Road in the state capital to rob him and murdered him in the process.

The police public relations officer (PPRO) of the Gombe State Police Command Mahid Muazu Abubakar, said the hoodlums who were armed with knives and cutlasses killed the deceased when he declined to give them money.

He said, “Four suspected robbers whose faces were covered with masks entered the house and requested money from him but he resisted and was overpowered by the masked men who stabbed him with a knife and cutlasses severally which resulted in his death.

“The commissioner of police CP Oqua Etim has directed thorough investigation be carried out on the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police spokesman said

However, the state leader of an Islamic group, Izala, Sheikh Salisu Muhammad Gombe, condemned the “brutal murder” of the cleric whom he said was his member.

In a phone call with LEADERSHIP, he said there was no justification for the killing of the preacher, adding that the deceased was never involved in politics or businesses that could attract enemies to him.

He said it was unfortunate that hoodlums could freely move and follow people to their houses to kill them in the state capital and attributed it to the failure of the leaders and authorities to protect the citizens.

Sheikh Gombe said although they were devastated with the murder of the cleric, the people should remain law abiding as the matter had been reported to the security agencies for necessary action.

Also, the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed shock over the incident, saying the dastardly act had shaken the sense of security and prevailing peace in the state.

The governor in his condolence message condemned the “brutal murder” of the Islamic preacher and assured the people of the state government’s resolve to uphold the safety and security of the people of the state.

He said, “We want to reassure the citizens of Gombe State that the government remains resolute in its efforts to uphold the safety and security of its people.

“We will continue to take comprehensive measures and apply the superiority of our force to clear and flush out criminals in any part of the state, as well as bring those responsible for this heinous crime to justice to prevent such incidents from recurring.

“The memory of Sheikh Ibrahim Albani Kuri will serve as a reminder that we must remain vigilant and steadfast in our pursuit of a society where everyone can live in peace and without fear.

“The entire state mourns the loss of this scholar and preacher whose teachings and guidance have touched the lives of countless Muslims.”, he stated.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of police in the state has imposed restrictions on movements in all parts of the state at night following the killing of the cleric and increase in criminalities in the state.

LEADERSHIP gathered that in recent times, there had been a series of attacks on the citizens in various parts of the state by daredevil thugs notoriously called “Kalare”.

Mahid Muazu Abubakar, the spokesperson of the police in the state, in a press release issued to journalists, said the commissioner of police had directed all heads of departments, tactical commanders and divisional police officers to enforce the restriction on movement across the state from midnight to 6am.

The measure, he said, was necessary to maintain law and order, ensure public safety and curb the rising cases of criminal activities in the state.

“In light of this, the government has put restrictions in place to curb these criminal activities and protect the citizens. These restrictions are aimed at ensuring that individuals engaging in criminal activities are brought to justice and ensure that the Kalare and other criminal elements have no place in Gombe.

“As such, all residents are advised to cooperate with us and other security agencies and avoid unnecessary movements within the stipulated hours except those on essential services.

“The police command shall work in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure strict compliance with this directive. The public is urged to support this effort by reporting any suspicious individual or group seen moving within the restricted hours to the nearest security agency