Late Reverend Bala Galadima
Residents of Lubo town in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State now live in fear following the brutal murder of Reverend Bala Galadima, the Pastor of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Lubo, by suspected suspected gunmen believed to be bandits.
The killing which took place on Sunday morning, February 9 sent shockwaves through the community, with worshippers said to be affected by the tragic event.
The Sunday service, usually a time of joy, was instead filled with messages of condolence and comfort for the grieving family and the congregation.
An eyewitness who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident said that the bandits, believed to be around eight in number, arrived in the town from the western side. They were dressed in black clothing and armed with AK47 rifles.
“The bandits reportedly entered the town around 1:00 AM, frightening residents with gunfire and forcing many to stay inside, he said.”
According to the Krestnews.com sources the attackers first targeted the popular Puma family compound in Lubo, where they ransacked several rooms and stole N300,000 at gunpoint from Musa Puma’s wife.
The eyewitness also said, the bandits abducted a young child and threatened to kill the child if the family did not comply with their demands.
After looting the compound, the bandits proceeded to Reverend Bala’s house, which is located just a short distance away. They broke into the Pastor’s house through a window and shot him in the upper back as he was in his bedroom.
After the assailants fled, local youths rushed to Reverend Bala’s home and took him to the town health center. The informant suspected the Pastor was already dead, as he could not detect a heartbeat. He was later transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe, where his body is currently awaiting burial.
When the police arrived around 3:00 AM, they discovered ten spent AK47 bullet shells scattered inside the house, along with blood stains.
The Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the incident but stated they were waiting for a report from the Kwadom Police Division before making an official statement. He added that the State Police Commissioner, Bello Yahaya, had visited the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe.