Gunmen suspected to be armed robbers have killed Reverend Buba Galadima, the pastor of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Lubo community, Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday when the assailants invaded the pastor’s residence.

How the Attack Unfolded

Reports indicate that Reverend Galadima was shot in the upper back while attempting to escape from the attackers.

The Gombe State Police Command spokesperson, Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, describing it as a robbery that tragically resulted in the clergyman’s death.

“The issue is a robbery because they entered the house at night. Maybe they attempted to rob him, but unfortunately, from the way he was shot at the back, it seems he was trying to escape,” Abdullahi stated.

Police Response and Investigation

Following the attack, Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bello Yahaya, visited the hospital where the pastor’s body was taken.

He has since deployed a special police squad to track down the perpetrators.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Yahaya personally visited the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe, staying until 5 a.m. to assess the situation firsthand.

Abdullahi assured that a thorough investigation was underway and dismissed claims that the attack was carried out by bandits, emphasizing that Gombe State has no history of banditry.

“We have launched a special operation, and we are confident that the perpetrators will be arrested,” he said.

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Reaction

A resident of Lubo, who spoke anonymously, revealed that the gunmen stormed the town around 1 a.m., firing multiple gunshots to announce their presence.

The attackers first targeted the ECWA church, then moved to a nearby compound, where they stole N300,000 and ransacked homes before heading to the pastor’s residence.

"They took N300,000, ransacked the houses, and then asked about the deceased’s residence, which was just a fence away," the witness recounted.

Upon locating Reverend Galadima’s house, the gunmen shot him in the upper back, leaving the community in mourning and fear.

Tension in the Community

The attack has left residents shaken, with many still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

Authorities have urged calm, assuring that security has been tightened in the area and that the suspects will be brought to justice.