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Adamawa communities attack has left at least 25 people dead and several houses destroyed following coordinated late night raids on two villages in northeastern Nigeria.
Residents and state authorities confirmed that gunmen targeted Kirchinga in Madagali Local Government Area and Garaha in neighbouring Hong. The affected communities are located near the Sambisa Forest, an area long associated with insurgent activity.
Villages Targeted in Coordinated Assault
According to reports from residents, the attackers struck on Tuesday evening, moving through the communities in a coordinated manner. Witnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers, creating panic among villagers.
Kirchinga village head Abubakar Lawan Kanuri said the attackers wore military style uniforms, which initially led some residents to believe they were legitimate security personnel on patrol. He stated that 18 bodies were recovered in Kirchinga after the assault.
In Garaha, at least seven people were reportedly killed when dozens of armed men riding motorcycles entered the village. A nearby military base was also attacked during the raid.
Military Base Targeted
Residents reported that the gunmen advanced from multiple directions and engaged security forces stationed in the area. During the confrontation, three soldiers were reportedly killed.
Four civilians attempting to escape the violence were also shot. In addition to the fatalities, a school building was set ablaze, further compounding the destruction.
The scale and coordination of the Adamawa communities attack have raised concerns about the continued vulnerability of rural settlements near conflict zones.
Displacement and Destruction
Following the attacks, many residents fled their homes in search of safety. Several villagers reportedly relocated to Mubi, one of the nearest major towns, fearing further violence.
Homes were burned during the raids, leaving families without shelter and basic necessities. Community leaders have expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the incident, particularly for women, children, and elderly residents displaced by the violence.
The proximity of the affected villages to the Sambisa Forest has historically exposed them to insurgent threats. The forest has been identified as a known stronghold of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
Government Reaction
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri condemned the killings, describing them as acts of terrorism. In a statement released through his spokesperson, Humwashi Wonosikou, the governor pledged continued efforts to restore peace and stability in the state.
Authorities have not yet released an official breakdown of casualties beyond preliminary figures provided by local sources. Security agencies are expected to intensify patrols and operations in the affected areas to prevent further incidents.
Persistent Security Challenges in Northeast Nigeria
The Adamawa communities attack highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria’s northeast region. Despite years of military operations aimed at curbing insurgent activity, attacks on rural communities continue to occur intermittently.
The region has experienced a prolonged insurgency lasting over a decade, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement of millions, and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
Security analysts note that communities located on the fringes of forested areas often face heightened risk due to limited security presence and difficult terrain.
Ongoing Investigations
As of Wednesday, investigations into the incident were ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the identity of the attackers and assess the full extent of damage.
Residents continue to call for strengthened security measures and improved protection for vulnerable communities.
The Adamawa communities attack underscores the urgent need for sustained security interventions, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced community protection strategies to safeguard lives and property in the region.
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