Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Gombe State have rescued a cleric allegedly confined by a group of youths in Birin Fulani community, Nafada Local Government Area of the state.
The cleric, identified as Abubakar Mahmoud Puma, 58, from Akko Local Government Area, was reportedly locked inside a house by youths believed to be members of the Darika sect.
The Gombe State Police Command disclosed this in a statement on Sunday through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi.
Abdullahi said the incident occurred in the early hours of March 15, 2026, after the command received a report of a disturbance in the community.
He explained that the Divisional Police Officer immediately deployed officers to the area to restore order.
According to him, upon arrival, the officers discovered that the cleric had been detained by some aggrieved youths who accused him of making abusive and derogatory remarks against their leaders.
Abdullahi further stated that the cleric had earlier been assigned to the community by the national headquarters of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah in Jos to conduct the 2026 Ramadan Tafsir.
The police spokesperson added that the DPO engaged the youths in dialogue, which eventually led to the safe release of the cleric.
“The Divisional Police Officer engaged the aggrieved youths in dialogue, after which they cooperated with the police. The cleric was rescued unharmed, no life was lost and normalcy has been restored in the area,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar Ahmed Chuso, has directed that a discreet investigation be carried out to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Abdullahi said the commissioner ordered that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The command also warned residents against spreading unverified information capable of inciting panic or tension within the state.
It further assured residents of Birin Fulani and other parts of the state that the situation had been brought under control, urging the public to address grievances through lawful channels rather than actions that could threaten public peace.