At least 29 people have been killed after armed attackers stormed Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, in a violent assault that disrupted a local football match and left residents in panic.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen invaded the area around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday while youths were playing a match at a primary school, opening fire indiscriminately and forcing people to flee for safety. Several homes and religious structures were also set ablaze during the attack.
The incident, which occurred about a week after a similar attack in Mayo Ladde in neighbouring Hong LGA, left residents devastated, with many openly mourning the loss of relatives. One resident, Musa Guyaku, said the attackers killed people taking shelter in huts and set parts of the community on fire, though he could not confirm the total number of casualties at the time.
Governor Umaru Fintiri, who interrupted his official schedule, visited the affected communities to assess the damage and console victims. He attributed the attack to suspected Boko Haram elements and assured residents that security agencies are working to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Fintiri confirmed that about 29 people were killed and pledged stronger government and security collaboration to protect vulnerable communities.
The traditional ruler of Gombi Chiefdom, His Royal Majesty Aggrey Bechour-Ali, noted that earlier security warnings had led to the suspension of Sallah celebrations, but said the attackers still exploited the football gathering to strike. He also raised concerns about possible insider informants aiding the assailants.
During his visit, the governor toured areas where motorcycles were burnt, a church was destroyed, and victims were either killed or injured, while displaced residents fled with their belongings.
The attack underscores ongoing insecurity in parts of northern Adamawa and renewed calls for improved surveillance and rapid security response in rural communities.
