70 Repentant ‘Yan Kalare’ Drop Weapons, Embrace Peace in Gombe

In a symbolic step toward peace and youth empowerment, about 70 repentant thugs, popularly known as yan kalare, have renounced violence and surrendered their weapons during a high-level town hall meeting to mark International Youth Week in Gombe State.

The event, held on Friday at the Council Chamber of Gombe Local Government, was organised by Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter, in partnership with traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society groups, and youth and women organisations. It aimed to tackle the challenges facing young people in the state.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Colonel Abdullahi Bello (retd.), praised Youth O’Clock Nigeria for its initiative, urging the reformed youths to embrace vocational skills, shun drug abuse, and uphold discipline and honesty.

“Safeguard your lives and protect the dignity of your families,” Bello said.

Chairman of Gombe Local Government and ALGON Chairman, Sani Haruna, pledged continued support for youth-focused initiatives, assuring that the council would create opportunities to improve the livelihoods of the reformed youths.

He warned them to avoid being exploited by politicians for selfish purposes.

The Emir of Gombe and Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar III, expressed joy over the development, pledging his palace’s support for Youth O’Clock Nigeria’s mission. Represented by Dr. Sani Jauro, the Emir promised to assist through the Northeastern University Community Development Initiative to provide livelihood opportunities for the youths.

Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, represented by DSP Buhari Abdullahi, reaffirmed the police command’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to secure lives and property.

Similarly, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jibrin Idris, represented by Muhd Danjuma, lauded the gathering and suggested holding such engagements quarterly to sustain dialogue and problem-solving.

Gombe State Coordinator of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Comrade Abdulaziz Labaran, urged stakeholders to support the reformed youths, noting their commitment to contributing to the state’s development.

Speaking for the repentant group, Kabiru Yerima and Balkisu Salisu expressed remorse for their past actions and appealed for empowerment opportunities to help sustain peace in Gombe State.