GOMBE—At least one policeman has been reported dead, while property worth millions of Naira were destroyed in a  communal clash involving communities in Billiri and Shongom local governments areas of Gombe State.

Several persons were injured in the clash.

The policeman, who was among those deployed to quell the crisis, was said to have been shot in the head and was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

National Police Cap

A source, who pleaded anonymity, explained that the people of Shongom local government attacked Kufai community in Billiri local government from where the crisis spread to other communities.

He said the current attack was a reprisal attack, following the people of Billiri’s response to an earlier assault initiated by their Shongom neighbours.

Kufai community in Billiri local government was attacked by the people of Shongom local government last week and there was retaliation but the extent of destruction was not ascertained.

He said the police and military had been drafted to the troubled communities to calm the situation, though there is still palpable tension, especially at Lakshordok village in Shongom local government area.

Reacting, the Tangale Renaissance Group (TRG), comprising members from the disputing Billiri, Kaltungo and Shongom local governments, called on the state government to urgently demarcate the boundaries in the disputed areas.

They also asked for the setting up of commission of inquiry to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the crisis which is almost becoming an annual occurence.

Contacted on his GSM line for comment, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Austin Iwar, said he would rather do so in person tomorrow (today) in order to have a more detailed and clear discussion.