Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community

By Zagazola Makama

A 14-year-old boy, Musa Umar, has died following a violent altercation with a neighbour in Jama’are village via Fika in Yobe State.

Security sources said the incident occurred on April 30 at about 10:00 p.m. when Musa engaged in a fight with another minor, Adamu Yusuf, 12, during which he was struck on the head with a stick.

The sources disclosed that the injured boy was initially rushed to Gadaka General Hospital for treatment before being referred to Fika General Hospital due to the severity of his condition.

According to the sources, Musa died on the way to the referral hospital and was later certified dead by a medical doctor.

They added that the body was documented and released to the family for burial following necessary procedures.

The sources further said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect, while investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community

Boko Haram, ISWAP Battle for Dominance in Sambisa Forest” as deadly clashes intensify

By Zagazola Makama

Fresh intelligence emerging from insurgent enclaves in Borno State suggests an escalation of deadly clashes between Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), with both factions locked in violent confrontations deep inside the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

At about 8:43 p.m. on April 30, a conversation reportedly took place between a suspected Boko Haram fighter identified as Ba Musa, believed to be operating within the Sambisa axis of Bama Local Government Area, and an associate known as Ya Kazalla.

Though Kazalla’s exact location remains unknown, the exchange offered a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics and narratives shaping the conflict between the rival extremist groups.

During the discussion, Kazalla reportedly sought clarity on recent clashes, expressing concern over circulating reports that ISWAP fighters had recorded significant victories against Boko Haram. The concern reflects the fluid and often opaque nature of insurgent propaganda, where both factions frequently project strength to boost morale and recruitment.

In response, Musa was said to have pushed back strongly against such claims, asserting that Boko Haram had, in fact, inflicted heavy losses on ISWAP.

He allegedly claimed that Boko Haram fighters killed about 100 ISWAP members during a confrontation on April 29 within the Sambisa Forest.

The narrative did not end there. Musa further claimed that an additional seven ISWAP fighters were killed in another clash around a forested area in Molai, located in Konduga Local Government Area.

According to him, Boko Haram’s own losses were minimal, with only one fighter identified as Munzir, said to be of Gamargu origin killed in the series of encounters.

While these claims remain unverified, they point to the intensity of the rivalry between the two groups, which has evolved into a parallel conflict alongside their broader insurgency against state forces.

Zagazola note that such internal clashes, though difficult to independently confirm exactly figures, often result in significant casualties and disruptions to command structures on both sides.

The Sambisa Forest and adjoining corridors as well as the lake chad have long served as strategic strongholds for insurgent factions, making them focal points for both inter-group conflict and sustained military operations.

The latest reports suggest that despite ongoing counterterrorism pressure, the insurgents continue to maintain active communication networks and operational capabilities within these enclaves.

The infighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP is increasingly seen as both a challenge and an opportunity, a challenge due to the unpredictability it introduces, and an opportunity as it may weaken the overall cohesion of insurgent forces in the region.

Boko Haram, ISWAP Battle for Dominance in Sambisa Forest” as deadly clashes intensify

The exceptional brilliance of Coach Yusuf Alabi at Gombe United

By Barry Kalla

Gombe United’s relegation to the Nationwide League One (NLO) is one that is widely being perceived as a difficult pill to swallow and a rude shock to all football lovers in the state who would have wished it was a bad dream that they should hastily awake from, especially in view of the pedigree of the club and its role in putting smiles on the faces of millions of passionate fans week in, week out.

To them, it is one prophesy they wished was never fulfilled as many football analysts in the state had earlier raised the alarm regarding the manner the club was being managed and handled administratively but the warning was ignored and today, Gombe United has now achieved the opposite of the mandate set for it by the state which is Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ticket.

In the midst of all these, we must never forget the sacrifices that were made in spite of the club’s relegation. One of those sheer sacrifices is that of Coach Yusuf Salihu Alabi whose unmatchable commitment, diligence and true brilliance added value to Gombe United. Coach Alabi, as the Technical Adviser of the club invested a lot of technical know-how which could have paid off if he had enough time. The repairs and technical reforms gave Gombe United the pride of not getting relegated long before now.

Though the mandate of the club wasn’t met, but we must not fail to lavish our commendation where it is most needed and to Alabi, he deserves all the commendations in view of the state he met Gombe United and the impact he made within the short time available.

One of the beauties of life is that it maintains a balance, where every negative situation contains a hidden positive spark and without mincing words, Yusuf Alabi is that spark that must be celebrated for his exceptional efforts in building and rekindling hope at a time that the club was battling the worst performance in recent history.

Somehow, Alabi’s prowess came in good in terms of character building, professionalism, team unity, and rejigging the structural make-up of the team that produced some impressive results that repositioned the team and gave hope to numerous fans of Gombe United.

A quick look at the results, showed that on February 14, 2026 Jigawa Golden Stars defeated Gombe United 2-1; interestingly, though a defeat but it was the first time, Gombe United scored an away goal in months, prior to this match which was Alabi’s first on the job. The away goal was the hope the fans waited for in a long time. The next match was even a better outing as United beat visiting Bichi 2-1, before going to Kebbi to pick a point on the road with a goalless draw.

The other matches were a 1-1 draw with Yobe; 2-0 defeat away to Adamawa United and a 2-0 win at home against Ranchers on April 22, 2026. Analysis of the result under Alabi’s watch showed a departure from the norm of frequent points losses both at home and away.

Alabi further proved that his Confederation of African Football (CAF) B License is not a mistake by winning the state F.A Cup for Gombe United and adding more value to the history of the club.

A glance at Alabi’s coaching and sports certification showed that he obtained his Basic Certificate in football coaching in 2008; Modern Trend in Football Coaching 2009; Youth Football Coaching and Admin 2011; BFUT Level 4 Coaching License (FIFA Endorsed) 2012.
Others include CAF “C” License 2014; CAF “B” License 2017; Pro Football Management Master Class (PFMMC) 2020; Coach the Coaches Refresher Course (Ghana) 2021; IOC Sports Administrator Course 2023; CAF License Coach Educator 2025 and IOC Sports Manager Course 2025.

With such rich CV, he has worked with over 22 clubs across the country before joining Gombe United. Indeed his wealth of experience has helped fortified Gombe United but for time and other administrative ills, Alabi would have restored the glory of Gombe United.

This write-up is to show appreciation to Coach Yusuf Alabi regardless of the circumstances.
We are proud of what he has done and in spite of the relegation his professionalism is not in doubt because he has proven that he can be trusted with any team even in NPFL to deliver the goods.l

barryanya@gmail.com
08037790307 Barry Kalla Gombe United Supporter

The exceptional brilliance of Coach Yusuf Alabi at Gombe United