By Desire Emmanuel
Gunmen killed at least 29 persons in an attack on a community in Adamawa State, the state governor said during his visit on Monday, April 27,
The attackers invaded the Guyaku community in Gombi Local Government Area of the state late on Sunday and carried out sporadic shootings for several hours, killing residents and destroying property, according to local officials and community leaders.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri confirmed the death toll during his visit where he also condoled with bereaved families and described the incident as tragic and unacceptable.
He said the state government was working with security agencies to prevent further attacks and restore normalcy.
The motive behind the attack is unknown. However, Adamawa, has in recent years suffered repeated attacks by Boko Haram insurgents including armed groups and criminal gangs, contributing to rising insecurity across rural communities in the region.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers killed 28 males and one female, including children, while several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at medical facilities in Gombi.
A resident of Guyaku, Musa Guyaku, said: “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.”
When asked about the total number of casualties, he said he could not give an exact figure.
Earlier, the traditional ruler of Gombi, Agrey Ali Komo Gombi, alleged that the attack may have been aided by informants within or around the community.
Despite the tragedy, he emphasized that the people remain resilient and determined.
