At least fifteen people were confirmed dead on Monday night in communal clashes in Nyuwar and Jessu in Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The disclosure was made by Governor Inuwa Yahaya on Tuesday night while speaking with newsmen shortly after assessing the situations in the affected communities.

He revealed that the incident involved members of Lunguda and Waja ethnic groups who live in neighbouring communities in the state.

Governor Yahaya expressed shock over the level of damage he saw in the communities.

“In Nyuwar, I was told eight persons died and here (Hemen village) in Jessu community, I was told seven died, making 15 people. This is unacceptable.”

Curfew
The governor said he had declared a curfew in the affected communities to allow security personnel to restore peace and calm there.

He added that the perpetrators of the violence “would be made to face the full wrath of the law”.

The governor also assured the communities of their safety while appealing to them not to retaliate.

Mr Yahaya instructed security personnel led by the State Commissioner of Police, Ishola Babaita, to prevent further attacks on the communities.