From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Adamawa State Police Command has refuted a false security alert reported by a government official, claiming a communal clash had erupted between the Waja and Lunguda communities in Lamurde Local Government Area, resulting in six deaths.
In a press release issued in Yola on Monday, the Command’s spokesman, S.P. Suleiman Nguroje, debunked the report, describing it as “a very disturbing fake news circulating on social media” spread by mischief-makers.
The Command clarified that the incident in question was related to witchcraft allegations in Jakan village, Sowa Ward, within Lamurde council, not a communal clash.
Preliminary findings revealed that the deaths were linked to accusations of witchcraft, allegedly made by a native doctor against six individuals who were subsequently killed based on traditional beliefs.
“The Adamawa State Police Command came across a very disturbing piece of fake news circulating on social media, alleging that six people were killed in an escalated clash between Lunguda and Waja communities. There is no truth to these claims, and no such clashes occurred,” the statement clarified.
According to the Command, on September 14, 2024, two individuals, Dogara Sabon Reza and Jeri Dogara, reported to the Tigno Divisional Police Headquarters that one Salestina Bala, a 30-year-old resident of Kwa village in Lamurde, along with her collaborators, conspired, tortured, and killed three individuals through a “trial by ordeal,” accusing them of witchcraft.
The victims were identified as Lazarus Bashiru, Galion Isa, and Ajasko Yakubu. The Command condemned the brutal act and assured that security forces were deployed to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The Command also cautioned the public, especially social media users, to be mindful of their posts and avoid spreading false information that could disrupt public peace.
Adding to the statement, Comrade Ahmad Lawan, Senior Special Assistant on Peace and Security to Governor Fintiri, urged the media to verify facts before publishing sensitive information, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding societal well-being.
He expressed his displeasure at the misleading security alert issued by the government official, stressing the need for proper consultation before making public statements.
“The incident was purely a case of witchcraft allegations, not a communal clash between Waja and Lunguda communities. If not handled promptly, it could have escalated into a disaster,” Lawan warned.
He called on the public to disregard the false claims and go about their lawful activities, assuring that Governor Fintiri’s administration is working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.