Rebuilding Trust: Tangale Community Backs Inuwa Yahaya, Pushes for Healing

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has urged the Tangale community to close ranks and embrace lasting peace built on forgiveness, unity and mutual respect.

He made the call on Monday while receiving a delegation from the community during a solidarity visit to the Government House in Gombe.

The delegation was led by the Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Area, Hon. Eglah Idris, in company of the Mai Tangale, Malam Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba, and other prominent figures from the Chiefdom.

Speaking at the meeting, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reflected on the crisis that trailed the appointment of the Mai Tangale, saying genuine reconciliation cannot happen without forgiveness and honest reflection.

He acknowledged that errors were made by different sides during the crisis, but stressed the need for lessons to be learned so that past mistakes are not repeated.

According to him, his bond with the Tangale people goes beyond political cycles, noting that his family has long-standing ties with the community built on trust and friendship.

He added that those values were passed onto him by his late father, and that he intends to uphold them as Governor.

The Governor warned against actions capable of threatening harmony in the state, especially at a time when many parts of Nigeria are battling security challenges.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to development projects that would enhance the wellbeing of Billiri LGA and the entire state.

Earlier, Hon. Eglah Idris applauded the Governor’s developmental strides in Billiri, listing interventions in health, education, infrastructure, trade and other sectors.

She appealed to the Governor to show leniency towards the actions of a few individuals whose conduct, she said, does not reflect the values of the wider Tangale community.

Also speaking, Ambassador Mohammed Saidu Fawu, an elder statesman from the Chiefdom, commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for handling the post-crisis tensions with maturity.

He maintained that the unrest that followed the Mai Tangale’s appointment was engineered by a minority bent on causing division.
He urged residents to draw lessons from the episode and rebuild trust that can attract further development.

Members representing Billiri East and Billiri West constituencies in the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Yakubu Daniel and Hon. Nimrod Malon, also expressed appreciation to the Governor for running an inclusive administration.

They pledged support for policies and legislation that would drive development across the state.

Similarly, Dr. Arabs Rukuje thanked the Governor for accommodating diverse viewpoints and encouraged him to ignore those attempting to pose as the sole voice of the Tangale people.

He called for continued reconciliation as the pathway to progress.

The event drew attendance from the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau; state legislators; traditional and religious leaders; political stakeholders; and youths from the Tangale Chiefdom.

Gombe Govt Supports Fallen Journalists’ Families with N14m After Tragic Road Crash

The Gombe State Government has disbursed a total of ₦14 million to the families of seven journalists who lost their lives in a fatal motor accident along the Billiri–Kumo Road.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, as the journalists were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo Local Government Area, throwing the media community and the entire state into mourning.

Under the intervention approved by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, each of the bereaved families received ₦2 million as financial support to help cushion burial costs and other immediate needs arising from the painful loss.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, presided over the disbursement exercise on behalf of the Governor.

He disclosed that shortly after the accident, the state government had released an initial token of support to assist victims who sustained injuries.

Professor Njodi added that Governor Inuwa Yahaya has also taken full responsibility for the medical treatment and hospital bills of the injured journalists currently receiving care.

Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the SSG reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the welfare of journalists, describing the loss as monumental to both Gombe State and the media profession.

“Our hearts have been restless since this tragic incident. While we cannot bring back the departed or fully compensate for the loss, His Excellency has approved this support to assist with burial expenses, just as the government has taken full responsibility for the medical bills of those who survived,” Professor Njodi said.

He emphasised that the funds were not intended as compensation but as a compassionate gesture to support the families during this difficult and emotional period.

Professor Njodi also conveyed Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the management of the National Television Authority (NTA), and the entire media community, urging all to find solace in the will of Allah.

In his remarks, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, expressed profound appreciation to the Gombe State Government, describing the intervention as swift, compassionate and unprecedented.

He noted that journalists across the country were deeply grateful for the support extended to both the bereaved families and those still undergoing medical treatment.

Comrade Abdullahi further called on the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of comprehensive life and health insurance schemes for journalists, urging state governments, including Gombe, to align with the policy once it takes effect.

Also speaking, the General Manager of NTA Gombe, Abubakar Adamu, conveyed the appreciation of the Director-General of the NTA, Salihu Dembos, to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his generosity and compassion. He said the entire NTA family nationwide holds the Gombe State Government in high regard for the humane gesture.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Barrister Abubakar Ahmed described the intervention as historic, noting that it was the first of its kind in the state.

“This support of ₦2 million to each family will go a long way in addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of the dependants. We truly lack words to express our gratitude. May Allah reward the Governor and his administration abundantly,” he said.

GOGIS Reaffirms Commitment to Transparent Land Administration in Gombe, Announces Final Recertification Window

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Gombe State Geographic Information System (GOGIS) has reiterated the state government’s resolve to uphold transparency, accountability, strict compliance with the Land Use Act, and the protection of legitimate land interests, as it moves to ensure efficient and orderly land administration across Gombe State.

At a press briefing held on December 31, 2025, the Director General of GOGIS, Dr Kabiru Usman Hassan, disclosed that the agency has approved a final extension for the recertification and collection of allocation letters in the newly redesigned Shehu Abubakar District, formerly known as BAP 4 Layout.

Dr Hassan explained that the exercise is part of broader land reforms initiated by the Gombe State Government following the lawful revocation of Rights of Occupancy in the area, in line with Executive Order No. 007 of 2024 and Section 28 of the Land Use Act, due to breaches of conditions of grant and overriding public interest.

According to him, the government, through GOGIS, carried out a comprehensive and open process involving layout redesign, verification of claims, documentation, and recertification of eligible allottees.

He noted that the government took these steps to restore order, eliminate irregularities, and strengthen confidence in land administration.

“The aim is to build a system that is fair, transparent, and compliant with the law, while safeguarding the rights of legitimate allottees,” Dr. Hanan said.

Dr Hassan announced that the final extension for recertification and collection of allocation letters will run from Sunday, January 5 to Friday, January 16, 2026, strictly for individuals who had already participated in the earlier documentation and verification exercise.

GOGIS Boss  emphasised that the extension reflects the government’s sense of responsibility and inclusiveness, following appeals from affected allottees who were unable to complete the process within the earlier deadline.

Eligible individuals are expected to present relevant documents, including proof of documentation, original title papers, valid identification, and other supporting requirements where applicable.

He warned that failure to comply within the extended period would be regarded as a voluntary forfeiture, after which such plots would revert to the state government for reallocation in line with existing laws and policies.

The GOGIS boss cautioned the public against misinformation, urging them to seek clarification directly from the agency on all matters relating to land allocation, payments, and penalties.

Dr Hassan confirmed that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration is dedicated to improving land management by following the law, ensuring responsibility, protecting rightful claims, and supporting sustainable growth in Gombe State.

Members of the public were advised to take full advantage of the final opportunity to regularise their land documents and support the government’s drive for an efficient and orderly land administration system.