Bandits attack Gombe communities, kill 70-year-old man, abduct his two sons and three others

Bandits attacked three communities in Pindiga District, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, k!lled a 70-year-old man, abducted his two sons and three others. 

The spokesperson for the Gombe State Police Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, January 25, 2026 said the bandits invaded Rahama village, where they shot d3ad Tela Bello Ahmadu before abducting his two sons.

The same group stormed Lambo village, abducted three other victims, Babayo Garba, Malam Abba Musa and Baayo Bayi.

It was also gathered that the bandits on Saturday, January 24, stormed Galadima village and set some houses ablaze. 

Police Tactical Teams under Operation Hattara, in collaboration with hunters and vigilante groups, swiftly mobilised and engaged the bandits in a gun duel.

According to the PPRO, one of the abducted victims, Baayo Bayi, was unfortunately caught in the crossfire and later confirmed dead. 

The spokesperson said security operatives neutralized three of the bandits during the operation and recovered two AK-47 Rifles, sixty eight rounds of live ammunition, four magazines, 120 expended ammunition shells and other items. 

“The Gombe State Police Command has received a report regarding an attack allegedly carried out by suspected armed bandits in Rahama, Lambo and Garin Galadima villages in Pindiga District, Akko Local Government Area,” the statement read. 

“On 24/01/2026 at about 0200hrs, information received revealed that suspected bandits invaded Rahama Village via Gagarabami, where they shot and k!lled Tela Bello Ahmadu “M” 70years. Thereafter, abducted his two sons; Saleh Tela “M” 25years and Abdullahi Tela “M” 35years.

“Subsequently, at about 0340hrs, the same group stormed Lambo Village, abducted the following: Babayo Garba “M” 30years, Malam Abba Musa “M” 45years and Baayo Bayi “M” 20years

“Upon receipt of the distress call, Police Tactical Teams under Operation Hattara, in collaboration with hunters and vigilante groups, swiftly mobilised and engaged the bandits in a gun duel. 

“During the operation, the said Baayo Bayi “M” was unfortunately caught in the crossfire and later confirmed dead, while Babayo Garba “M” and Malam Abba Musa “M” were successfully rescued. 

“Three (3) of the bandits were neutralised, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.

“Exhibits recovered include:  two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, sixty eight (68) rounds of live 7.62mm live ammunitions, one hundred and twenty (120) empty 7.62mm ammunition shells, and four (4) motorcycles and cash sum of Two thousand three hundred Naira (#2,300)

“The rescued victims were taken to Hospital for medical examination.

“Efforts have being intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects. Further developments will be communicated in due course.

“The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, mnips, fwc, psc (+), reassures the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and urges for continue support and provide timely and credible information to the Police.”