No fewer than 29 persons have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack on Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where gunmen struck during a local football match.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants invaded the area at about 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, opening fire sporadically at a gathering held at a primary school, forcing residents to flee in panic as confusion gripped the communities.
The latest violence comes barely a week after a similar attack in Mayo Ladde, located in Hong Local Government Area, where religious buildings were also set ablaze.
Residents described scenes of grief and devastation, with many openly mourning the loss of loved ones. A resident, Musa Guyaku, recounted how the attackers stormed the area during a football match between neighbouring communities.
“Yesterday evening, youths organised a football match between two communities, Zangula and another village. Suddenly, gunmen invaded our community and were shooting sporadically, killing two persons sitting in a hut and burning down the hut,” he said.
He noted that he could not immediately confirm the full number of casualties.
Governor Umaru Fintiri, who cut short his engagements to visit the affected communities, described the incident as deeply distressing. He said the attack, allegedly carried out by criminal elements linked to Boko Haram, was both tragic and unacceptable.
The governor confirmed that at least 29 people lost their lives and assured residents that the government would intensify efforts to secure the area.
“We will continue to do our best because they are our people, and we will stand by them and ensure that government collaborates with the military and other security agencies to ensure that they are well protected,” he said.
During his visit, the governor toured the affected areas, where motorcycles had been set ablaze, a church building destroyed, and several homes damaged, while residents hurriedly evacuated their belongings.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Gombi Chiefdom, Aggrey Bechour-Ali, revealed that security agencies had earlier warned the community to suspend Sallah celebrations due to security concerns.
“There are informants in our midst who may even be sons of the soil,” he said, suggesting that insider collaboration may have aided the attackers, who reportedly took advantage of the football gathering to strike.
Governor Fintiri further assured residents that additional security measures would be put in place to prevent future attacks, as concerns continue to mount over recurring violence in the northern parts of the state.
The incident once again highlights persistent security challenges facing rural communities in Adamawa, underscoring the urgent need for improved surveillance, rapid response, and sustained protection of lives and property.
What You Should Know
At least 29 people were killed in a gunmen attack on Guyaku and Telabala communities in Adamawa State during a football match.
The assailants opened fire on residents, causing panic and destruction. Governor Umaru Fintiri visited the area, confirmed the casualties, and promised increased security measures. The attack follows a similar recent incident in Hong LGA, highlighting persistent insecurity in the region.
Authorities suspect insider collaboration and are working with security agencies to prevent further violence and protect affected communities from recurring attacks.
