No fewer than 29 people have been killed in an attack by gunmen on Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Witnesses said the assailants struck around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday while a football match was underway at a primary school, opening fire indiscriminately and sending residents fleeing in panic.
The incident comes barely a week after a similar attack in Mayo Ladde, Hong Local Government Area, where religious buildings were also set ablaze.
Grief-stricken residents were seen mourning loved ones, with many recounting the chaos that followed the attack. A resident of Guyaku, Musa Guyaku, said the attackers stormed the community during a match between local teams.
“Youths had organised a football match between two communities. Suddenly, gunmen invaded and started shooting sporadically. Two people sitting in a hut were killed, and the hut was set on fire,” he said, adding that the full casualty figure was initially unclear.
Governor Umaru Fintiri cut short his engagements to visit the affected communities, where he assessed the damage and met with victims. Describing the attack as “heartbreaking,” he said it bore similarities to the recent violence in Hong LGA.
The governor attributed the attack to criminal elements linked to Boko Haram and assured residents that security agencies were taking steps to restore order and prevent further violence.
“We will continue to do our best because they are our people. We will stand by them and ensure collaboration with the military and other security agencies to guarantee their safety,” Fintiri said.
He also commiserated with the traditional ruler of the area over the loss of lives.
The traditional ruler of Gombi Chiefdom, His Royal Majesty Aggrey Bechour-Ali, revealed that security agencies had earlier warned communities to suspend Sallah celebrations due to threats, a directive they complied with.
“There are informants within our communities, possibly even among our own people,” he said, suggesting the attackers may have exploited local knowledge and the gathering at the football match to carry out the assault.
During a tour of the affected areas, the governor observed widespread destruction, including burnt motorcycles, a razed church, and multiple casualties. Residents were seen evacuating their belongings as they fled to safer locations.
Fintiri assured the communities that additional security measures would be implemented to forestall a recurrence.
The latest violence underscores persistent security challenges in parts of Adamawa State’s northern corridor and highlights the urgent need for strengthened surveillance and rapid response to protect vulnerable communities.
