Gombe cleric rescue as police free Abubakar Puma after youths confined him in Nafada community over alleged remarks. Investigation ordered

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

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The police identified the cleric as Abubakar Mahmoud Puma, 58, a resident of Akko Local Government Area, who was reportedly locked inside a house by youths believed to be members of the Darika sect.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the command, Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed the incident in a statement on Sunday, saying the police received a report of a disturbance in the community in the early hours of March 15.

“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.

According to the police spokesperson, the Divisional Police Officer quickly mobilised officers to the community to restore calm and assess the situation.

“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.

Police said the cleric had been posted to the community to conduct the 2026 Ramadan Tafsir by the national headquarters of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah in Jos.

Abdullahi explained that the Divisional Police Officer engaged the agitated youths in dialogue, leading to the cleric’s peaceful and unharmed 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 added.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Umar Chuso, has ordered a discreet investigation to determine the immediate and underlying causes of 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 said.

The police command also cautioned residents against spreading unverified information capable of creating tension within the community.

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Authorities reassured residents of Birin Fulani and the wider state that the situation is under control and urged citizens to channel grievances through lawful means rather than actions that could disrupt public peace.