Police Rescue Cleric from Youths in Gombe Sect Dispute

On March 15, 2026, police in Gombe State responded to a report of a disturbance in Birin Fulani, Nafada Local Government Area, where a cleric, Abubakar Mahmoud Puma, aged 58 from Akko Local Government Area, was allegedly confined by a group of youths. These youths, believed to be members of the Darika sect, accused the cleric of using derogatory language against their leader during a Ramadan tafsir session.

The police, led by DSP Buhari Abdullahi, quickly mobilized a team to the area to restore peace. Upon arrival, they found the cleric locked inside a house.

Through dialogue with the aggrieved youths, the police ensured the cleric's safe rescue without any injuries. Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Umar Chuso, ordered a discreet investigation to determine the immediate causes of the incident and ensure accountability for anyone found culpable.

The police also cautioned residents against spreading unverified information on social media that could escalate tensions.