Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Gombe State have rescued a cleric who was allegedly confined by a group of youths in Birin Fulani community, Nafada Local Government Area.

The Gombe State Police Command identified the cleric as Abubakar Puma, 58, from Akko Local Government Area.

He was rescued unharmed after being locked inside a house by youths believed to be members of the Darika sect.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed the incident in a statement on Sunday, saying it occurred in the early hours of March 15, 2026, when the police received information about a disturbance in the community.

“On 15/03/2026 at about 0300 hours, the Command received a report of disturbance of public peace in Birin Fulani, Nafada Local Government Area,” Abdullahi said.

He explained that the Divisional Police Officer quickly mobilised a team of officers to the area to restore calm.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that one Abubakar Mahmoud Puma, 58 years, from Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, was locked in a house by a group of aggrieved Darika sect youths in the community on the allegation of using abusive and derogatory words against their leaders,” the statement said.

The police spokesman added that the cleric had been posted to the community to conduct the 2026 Ramadan Tafsir by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah national headquarters in Jos.

Abdullahi said the DPO engaged the aggrieved youths in dialogue, which led to the cleric’s safe rescue.

“The Divisional Police Officer promptly engaged the agitated youths in dialogue. Following the intervention, the youths cooperated, and the cleric was safely rescued unhurt. No life was lost, and normalcy has since been restored in the area,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Umar Chuso, has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed a discreet investigation to ascertain both the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is dealt with in accordance with the law,” Abdullahi added.

The police command also cautioned residents against spreading unverified information on social media.

“The Command cautions members of the public to desist from posting or circulating fake news and unverified information capable of creating unnecessary tension and misleading the public,” the statement noted.

The police reassured residents of Birin Fulani and the entire state that the situation is under control and urged the public to channel grievances through lawful means rather than taking actions that could disrupt public peace. (Sunday PUNCH)

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