The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old man, Mustapha Adamu, who allegedly stabbed his close friend, Yahuza Labaran, to death during a heated argument while farming in Kulani Chessi village, located in Balanga Local Government Area.
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at around 3 p.m., when the two friends, aged 19 and 20 respectively, had gone to their usual farmland. What began as a regular day of farming turned into a nightmare following a disagreement whose cause remains unclear.
Eyewitnesses and local sources revealed that during the course of the altercation, Mustapha lost his temper and pulled out a knife, stabbing Yahuza in the left shoulder. The wound reportedly caused severe bleeding, which led to his death.
Upon receiving the distress call, officers from the Gombe State Police Command were immediately dispatched to the scene. The victim was rushed to Balanga General Hospital; however, medical personnel confirmed that he was dead on arrival due to excessive blood loss.
The suspect was swiftly apprehended by police operatives at the scene and taken into custody for questioning. During preliminary interrogation, Mustapha reportedly admitted to the act but insisted that it was not intentional. “I didn’t mean to kill him,” he reportedly confessed. “We were only arguing, and I lost my temper.”
The unfortunate incident has plunged the Kulani Chessi community into mourning, leaving residents shocked and devastated. Many described both boys as hardworking youths who often farmed together.
Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, described the incident as a painful reminder of the need for emotional management and conflict resolution among young people, particularly in rural communities. “This senseless loss has cast a dark cloud over what is usually a peaceful farming village,” he noted.
Similarly, village elder, Mallam Umaru Kalla, decried the rising trend of youth violence over minor disputes. He expressed concern about the increasing frequency of such tragic outcomes in rural farming communities.
“This is not the first time a minor disagreement has ended in death,” Kalla lamented. “We must begin teaching our children that violence is not the solution. Every disagreement does not need to end with bloodshed.”
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Gombe State Command, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the arrest of the suspect while speaking to The Punch on Thursday. He stated that an investigation into the matter is currently underway. “The case is still under investigation, and the suspect will be charged to court upon its conclusion,” he assured.
As the community continues to grieve the untimely death of Yahuza Labaran, local leaders and law enforcement authorities have reiterated the importance of promoting peaceful dialogue and emotional restraint, particularly among youths in the state’s agrarian settlements.