A resident of Malala community in Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State, Alhaji Musa Gurya, says his life is under serious threat after suspected terrorists attacked his home, killed his younger brother and later demanded N5 million from him or threatened to kill him.
Gurya said the attackers invaded his residence at about 1:30 a.m., killing his brother while he narrowly escaped after the assailants pursued him with the intention of taking his life.
According to him, the attackers also stole four mobile phones and his newly purchased motorcycle during the incident.
He said he immediately contacted the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Dukku, to report the attack.
“At about 1:30 a.m., I called the DPO of Dukku and informed him about what had happened. He personally came, and my brother’s body was taken to Malala, where we buried him,” Gurya said.
He explained that about one month after the incident, the suspected terrorists contacted him again and began threatening his life.
Gurya alleged that the suspects demanded N5 million from him, warning that he would be killed if he failed to pay the money.
He said he engaged the callers in conversations while simultaneously reporting the matter to the police.
According to him, the DPO of Dukku ordered an investigation into the matter, including tracking the telephone number being used by the suspects.
Gurya said the investigation eventually led to the arrest of a suspect identified as Dauda, who was subsequently transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, for further investigation.
“I spent almost N5 million on this matter, but one day I heard that Dauda had been released without being taken to court,” he alleged.
Gurya further alleged that the suspect might have been released after money was paid to security officials, although he did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim.
He also said the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State was aware of the incident and appealed for urgent intervention to protect him and members of his family.
“Honestly, my family and I are living in fear. We cannot sleep with both eyes closed,” he said.
The development has raised concerns over the safety of residents in parts of Dukku, particularly those who may be vulnerable to attacks and threats from criminal elements.
When our correspondent Aliyu Gerengi Gombe contacted for the police response, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Gombe State Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the command was investigating the matter.
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