Police Debunk Claim Of Church Attack In Gombe

The Gombe State Police Command has refuted a widely circulated social media claim alleging that bandits attacked an ECWA Church in Kashere, Akko local government area, describing the report as completely false and capable of causing needless public panic.

LEADERSHIP understands that a Facebook user, with 3.7k followers, Bulus Jonathan Mafeng, had on Sunday posted that armed men surrounded the church and abducted a worshipper during service.

“Just this morning in Gombe State ECWA church was surrounded by bandits and a member was abducted,” the post read.

The post, which quickly spread across Facebook, was later deleted by the user. However, the rumour generated anxiety among residents before authorities stepped in with clarification.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said immediate verification by both the Divisional Police Officer in Pindiga and the Officer in Charge of the Kashere Police Outstation confirmed that no attack took place.

According to the police, a church elder who was present during the Hausa service affirmed that worship activities proceeded peacefully without any disturbance. “For the sake of setting the record straight, the Command through the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Pindiga and the Officer in Charge of the Kashere Police Outstation, immediately reached out to one of the church elders.

“The elder, who was physically present in the church during the second segment of the Hausa service, confirmed that no such incident occurred. He also acknowledged that police officers were at the church premises throughout the day, providing protection as part of routine security coverage. The Command views the circulation of such false information as irresponsible and capable of creating unnecessary panic among the public.”

The police also disclosed that officers were stationed at the church throughout the day as part of routine security coverage, further dispelling the claim of any security breach.

Describing the misinformation as irresponsible, the Command announced that it has launched an investigation to uncover the source of the false report and take appropriate action against the originators.

DSP Abdullahi urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, assuring residents that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across Gombe State.

The police further advised social media users to exercise restraint and verify sensitive information before sharing.