Attack tragic, unacceptable – Governor
No fewer than 29 people have been killed after suspected terrorists attacked the Guyaku community in the Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa state.
According to local officials and community leaders, the attackers invaded the community late on Sunday and carried out “sporadic shootings for several hours, killing residents and destroying property.”
According to a resident, Nimfas Bala, the attack occurred on Sunday evening around 5:00 pm, when many villagers had gathered to watch a local football competition.
He said the attackers stormed the area, shooting sporadically and causing panic as players and spectators fled in different directions.
The assailants, he noted split into two groups and surrounded the community, shooting residents on sight.
“I personally counted 29 bodies, while many others are still missing,” Bala said, adding that a church was set ablaze, destroying musical instruments and plastic chairs.
He further said that the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, burnt 42 motorcycles belonging to players and spectators at the football field.
Meanwhile, Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, confirmed the death toll during a visit to Guyaku.
He condoled with bereaved families and described the incident as “tragic and unacceptable.”
In a statement posted on X on Monday, the governor said the state government is intensifying security operations to restore peace.
“My heart breaks for the people of Guyaku in Gombi LGA. Today, I stood on the ground where our brothers and sisters were cruelly taken from us. This act of cowardice is an affront to our humanity and will not go unpunished,” Fintiri wrote after visiting the community.
“To the bereaved families: Adamawa mourns with you. To the attackers: justice is coming. We will rebuild, and we will remain resilient.”