By Aliyu Gerengi, Gombe
A resident of Malala community in Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State, Alhaji Musa Gurya, says his life is under threat after suspected terrorists killed his younger brother and are now demanding N5 million ransom from him.
Gurya said the attackers invaded his home at about 1:30 a.m., killed his brother, and pursued him with the intent to kill him. He narrowly escaped.
According to him, the assailants also stole four mobile phones and a newly purchased motorcycle during the attack.
He said he immediately reported the incident to the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Dukku.
“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.
“They demanded N5 million from me and warned that I would be killed if I failed to pay,” he said.
Gurya said he kept the callers talking while reporting the matter to the police. He added that the DPO ordered an investigation, including tracking the phone number used by the suspects.
The investigation, he said, led to the arrest of a suspect identified as Dauda, who was later transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, for further questioning.
“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 may have been released after money was paid to security officials, though he did not provide evidence to support the claim.
He said the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State is aware of the incident and appealed for urgent intervention to protect him and 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 vulnerable to attacks and threats by criminal elements.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Gombe State Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the command was investigating the matter.
